Comparing Fractions

Which is larger, 3/7 or 5/12? Cross-multiply: 3 times 12 is 36, and 7 times 5 is 35. Since 36 is greater than 35, the fraction 3/7 is larger. This butterfly method skips finding a common denominator entirely and works for any two fractions — a fast, reliable way to compare.

Why They Come First

Proper fractions are where most people first meet "part of a whole," so the habits you build here carry over directly. Once 3/8 reads as three of eight equal slices, an improper fraction like 11/8 is just one whole plus three more slices, and a mixed number is the same idea written two ways. Get comfortable picturing the part, and the rest stops feeling like new rules.