Question

Steve and John are working together on a science assignment. Steve has completed 1/3 of the assignment, and John has completed 5/8 of the assignment. How much more of the assignment has John completed than Steve?

Answer 1

Steps to Compare Fractions

Step One: convert mixed numbers to a fraction, if there are any

There are not mixed numbers to compare, so we can move to the next step.

Step Two: find the least common denominator of the two fractions

Least common denominator = 24

Check out our least common denominator calculator for help on finding this.

Step Three: rewrite each fraction to an equivalent fraction using the denominator 24

To do this, start by dividing 24 by the denominator of the first fraction. Next, multiply the result by the numerator to find the new numerator. To rewrite, put the new numerator over 24. Repeat this for the second fraction

8/24 not equal 15/24

Step Four: compare the numerators

At this point to compare the fractions we can simply compare the numerators to see which is larger

8<15

Step Five: rewrite each fraction as the original fraction

1 /3 < 5/8

so answer is 7/24 difference