How do you compare fractions?

Question

Which fraction is bigger? 4 3/8 or 34/7? Would I have to multiply both sides to get the same denominator then compare?

Answer 1

or you could divide the numbers and see whether the answer is <=>1, as

first number 4 3/8=35/8,  second number 34/7

35/8÷34/7=35/8×7/34=245/272 <1 so 34/7 is larger.

Answer 2

You can just change to a mixed number - whole number plus a fraction

4 + (3/8) = 4.375

 

34/7 as a mixed number is 4 + (6/7) because 7 goes into 34 four times with a remainder of 6

 

4 + (6/7) = 4.857

 

Now compare the decimal answers.