Comparing Fractions: 1/8 vs 1/4
When dealing with fractions, it's essential to understand how to compare them to determine which one is larger or smaller. In this article, we'll explore the comparison between 1/8 and 1/4.
Understanding Fractions
Before we dive into the comparison, let's quickly review what fractions are and how they work. A fraction represents a part of a whole, consisting of a numerator (top number) and a denominator (bottom number). The numerator tells us how many equal parts we have, while the denominator indicates how many parts the whole is divided into.
Comparing 1/8 and 1/4
Now, let's compare 1/8 and 1/4.
1/8
The fraction 1/8 has a numerator of 1 and a denominator of 8. This means we have 1 part out of a total of 8 equal parts.
1/4
The fraction 1/4 has a numerator of 1 and a denominator of 4. This means we have 1 part out of a total of 4 equal parts.
Which One is Larger?
To determine which fraction is larger, we need to find a common denominator. In this case, the least common multiple (LCM) of 8 and 4 is 8. We can rewrite 1/4 as 2/8 to make the denominators equal.
Now, we can compare the numerators:
- 1/8: numerator is 1
- 2/8: numerator is 2
Since 2 is greater than 1, we can conclude that 1/4 is larger than 1/8.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 1/4 is larger than 1/8. When comparing fractions, it's essential to find a common denominator and then compare the numerators to determine which fraction is larger or smaller.
