Compare 1/4 and 1/5
Compare these two fractions to find which is greater, lesser, or if they are equal.
Answer:
\frac{1}{4} > \frac{1}{5}
Step-by-Step Solution
Step 1
Identify the Fractions
We need to compare two fractions:
First fraction: 1/4
Second fraction: 1/5
We'll use the cross-multiplication method.
\frac{1}{4} \quad \text{vs} \quad \frac{1}{5}
Step 2
Cross Multiply
Multiply each numerator by the opposite denominator:
1 × 5 = 5 (left side)
1 × 4 = 4 (right side)
The larger product tells us which fraction is larger.
1 \times 5 = 5 \quad \text{and} \quad 1 \times 4 = 4
Step 3
Compare the Products
5 is greater than 4
Since the left product is larger, the left fraction is larger.
\frac{1}{4} > \frac{1}{5}
Step 4
Verify with Decimals
We can verify by converting to decimals:
1/4 = 0.25
1/5 = 0.2
0.25 is greater than 0.2 ✓
0.25 > 0.2