1. What is Fraction Comparison?

Fraction comparison determines the relationship between two fractions - whether one is less than, greater than, or equal to another. This calculator uses the cross-multiplication method for accurate comparison.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the cross-product rule:

Where:

• \( a \) — Numerator of first fraction
• \( b \) — Denominator of first fraction
• \( c \) — Numerator of second fraction
• \( d \) — Denominator of second fraction

Explanation: By comparing the cross products (a×d vs b×c), we avoid division and potential floating-point inaccuracies.

3. Importance of Fraction Comparison

Details: Comparing fractions is fundamental in mathematics, useful in ratios, proportions, probability, and real-world applications like cooking, construction, and financial calculations.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter all four values (two numerators and two denominators). Denominators cannot be zero. The calculator handles both positive and negative fractions.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Does this work for mixed numbers?
A: First convert mixed numbers to improper fractions before entering them into the calculator.

Q2: How does it handle negative fractions?
A: The calculator correctly compares negative fractions using the same cross-multiplication rule.

Q3: What if denominators are equal?
A: When denominators are equal, you can simply compare numerators, but the calculator will still use cross-multiplication for consistency.

Q4: Can I compare more than two fractions?
A: This calculator compares two fractions at a time. For multiple fractions, compare them pairwise.

Q5: How precise are the results?
A: The calculator uses floating-point arithmetic, providing accurate results for most practical purposes.