Comparing Fractions: 1/3 and 1/5
When dealing with fractions, it's essential to understand how to compare them. In this article, we'll explore whether 1/3 is greater or lesser than 1/5.
What are Fractions?
A fraction is a way to express a part of a whole. It consists of a numerator (the top number) and a denominator (the bottom number). For example, in the fraction 1/3, the numerator is 1, and the denominator is 3.
Comparing 1/3 and 1/5
To determine which fraction is greater, we need to find a common denominator. The least common multiple (LCM) of 3 and 5 is 15. Therefore, we can convert both fractions to have a denominator of 15:
- 1/3 = 5/15
- 1/5 = 3/15
Now, we can compare the two fractions:
- 5/15 > 3/15
Since 5 is greater than 3, we can conclude that:
1/3 is greater than 1/5
Visual Representation
Here's a visual representation to help illustrate the comparison:
1/3 |----------| (1 part out of 3)
1/5 |----| (1 part out of 5)
In this diagram, the shaded area represents the fraction. As you can see, 1/3 occupies a larger portion of the whole than 1/5.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 1/3 is indeed greater than 1/5. Understanding how to compare fractions is an essential skill in mathematics, and this example demonstrates a simple yet effective way to do so.
