Compare Fractions: Finding the Correct Symbol Between 3/4 and 2/6

Fraction Comparison with Common Denominators

Fill in the missing sign:

3426 \frac{3}{4}☐\frac{2}{6}

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:04 First, choose the right sign for our operation.
00:08 Now, let's find a common denominator.
00:12 We'll multiply each fraction by the other's denominator.
00:17 Don't forget, multiply both the top and bottom numbers.
00:21 Let's use the same method for the next fraction.
00:25 Multiply by the other fraction's denominator again.
00:29 Always remember, both the numerator and denominator.
00:34 Great! Now we have a common denominator.
00:37 Once denominators match, the bigger numerator means a bigger fraction.
00:43 And that's how we solve this question!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Fill in the missing sign:

3426 \frac{3}{4}☐\frac{2}{6}

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve this problem, we will follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Identify the fractions we need to compare, which are 34 \frac{3}{4} and 26 \frac{2}{6} .
  • Step 2: Simplify 26 \frac{2}{6} to its simplest form.
  • Step 3: Find a common denominator for the two fractions.
  • Step 4: Convert each fraction to have the common denominator.
  • Step 5: Compare the resulting numerators to determine the relationship.

Now, let's work through each step:

Step 1: The fractions we have are 34 \frac{3}{4} and 26 \frac{2}{6} .

Step 2: Simplify 26 \frac{2}{6} . The greatest common factor of 2 and 6 is 2, so 26=13 \frac{2}{6} = \frac{1}{3} .

Step 3: Find a common denominator for 34 \frac{3}{4} and 13 \frac{1}{3} . The least common multiple of 4 and 3 is 12.

Step 4: Convert each fraction to have the common denominator:

34=3×34×3=912 \frac{3}{4} = \frac{3 \times 3}{4 \times 3} = \frac{9}{12}

13=1×43×4=412 \frac{1}{3} = \frac{1 \times 4}{3 \times 4} = \frac{4}{12}

Step 5: Compare the numerators of the converted fractions:

Now, compare 912 \frac{9}{12} and 412 \frac{4}{12} .

Since 9>4 9 > 4 , it follows that 912>412 \frac{9}{12} > \frac{4}{12} .

Therefore, 34>13 \frac{3}{4} > \frac{1}{3} , and hence 34>26 \frac{3}{4} > \frac{2}{6} .

The correct comparison sign is > > .

3

Final Answer

> >

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Find common denominators to compare fractions with different denominators
  • Technique: Convert 34=912 \frac{3}{4} = \frac{9}{12} and 26=412 \frac{2}{6} = \frac{4}{12} using LCD 12
  • Check: Compare numerators: 9 > 4, so 34>26 \frac{3}{4} > \frac{2}{6}

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Comparing fractions without finding common denominators
    Don't compare 3/4 and 2/6 by just looking at numerators and denominators separately = wrong comparison! You can't tell which is bigger without equal denominators. Always find the LCD and convert both fractions before comparing.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Fill in the missing sign:

\( \frac{5}{9}☐\frac{3}{9} \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Can I just compare the numerators and denominators separately?

+

No! You must convert to a common denominator first. Comparing 3 vs 2 or 4 vs 6 separately doesn't tell you which fraction is actually larger.

Do I always need to simplify fractions before comparing?

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It's helpful but not required. Simplifying 26 \frac{2}{6} to 13 \frac{1}{3} makes the numbers smaller and easier to work with, but you can compare without simplifying too.

What's the fastest way to find the common denominator?

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Find the Least Common Multiple (LCM) of the denominators. For 4 and 6: multiples of 4 are 4, 8, 12... and multiples of 6 are 6, 12, 18... so LCM = 12.

How do I convert fractions to have the common denominator?

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Multiply both numerator and denominator by the same number. For 34 \frac{3}{4} : multiply by 33 \frac{3}{3} to get 912 \frac{9}{12} .

What if the fractions are equal after converting?

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Then use the equals sign (=)! If the numerators are the same after converting to common denominators, the original fractions are equal.

Can I use cross multiplication to compare fractions?

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Yes! Cross multiply: 3 × 6 = 18 and 4 × 2 = 8. Since 18 > 8, we know 34>26 \frac{3}{4} > \frac{2}{6} . This is often faster than finding common denominators!

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