This deep dive covers Higher Level: Comparing Without Common Denominators within Fractions Basics for GCSE Mathematics. Revise Fractions Basics in Number for GCSE Mathematics with 12 exam-style questions and 22 flashcards. This topic appears less often, but it can still be a useful differentiator on mixed-topic papers. It is section 11 of 14 in this topic. Use this deep dive to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Higher Level: Comparing Without Common Denominators
Cross-multiplication method for comparing fractions:
- For a/b vs c/d: Compare a×d with b×c
- Example: 3/5 vs 7/12
- 3×12 = 36 and 5×7 = 35
- Since 36 > 35, we know 3/5 > 7/12
This avoids finding the LCM but still gives the correct comparison!
Practice questions for Fractions Basics
In the fraction 5/8, which number is the denominator?
Explain the difference between a proper fraction, an improper fraction and a mixed number. Give one example of each.