Is 5/9 Bigger Than 8/9?

No, \(\frac{5}{9}\) < \(\frac{8}{9}\)

\(\frac{5}{9}\)
55.5556%
\(\frac{8}{9}\)
88.8889%

Method 1: Common Denominators

These fractions already share the same denominator: 9. We just need to compare the numerators.

Method 2: Cross Multiplication

A quicker way to compare fractions is to cross-multiply. Multiply each numerator by the other fraction's denominator:

Method 3: Decimal Comparison

Convert each fraction to a decimal by dividing the numerator by the denominator:

\(\frac{5}{9}\) as a decimal 0.555556
\(\frac{8}{9}\) as a decimal 0.888889
Difference 0.333333

Since 0.555556 is less than 0.888889, we confirm that \(\frac{5}{9} < \frac{8}{9}\). In percentage terms, \(\frac{5}{9}\) is 55.5556% and \(\frac{8}{9}\) is 88.8889%, a difference of 33.3333 percentage points.

Why Does This Work?

When two fractions share the same denominator, the pieces are the same size. A fraction with more pieces (a larger numerator) is simply a larger amount. Since 8 pieces is more than 5 pieces of the same size, \(\frac{8}{9}\) is the larger fraction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is bigger: 5/9 or 8/9?

\(\frac{8}{9}\) is bigger. As a decimal, \(\frac{8}{9}\) = 0.888889 while \(\frac{5}{9}\) = 0.555556.

What is the difference between 5/9 and 8/9?

The difference is \(\frac{1}{3}\), which equals 0.333333 in decimal form (33.3333 percentage points).

How do you compare 5/9 and 8/9?

You can use three methods: find a common denominator and compare numerators, cross-multiply and compare the products, or convert both fractions to decimals. All three methods confirm that \(\frac{8}{9}\) \(>\) \(\frac{5}{9}\).