Compare the Two Common Fractions - 32/8 and - 36/18, Which One is Larger? Online Calculator

Simplify the operation
Reduce (simplify) the fractions to their lowest terms equivalents:


The fraction: - 32/8

  • The prime factorizations of the numerator and denominator:
  • 32 = 25
  • 8 = 23
  • Multiply all the common prime factors: if there are repeating prime factors we only take them once, and only the ones having the lowest exponent (the lowest powers).
  • GCF (32; 8) = 23 = 8

- 32/8 = - (32 ÷ 8)/(8 ÷ 8) = - 4/1 = - 4


The fraction can also be reduced without calculating GCF; factor the numerator and denominator and cross out all the common prime factors:


- 32/8 = - 25/23 = - (25 ÷ 23)/(23 ÷ 23) = - 4/1 = - 4



The fraction: - 36/18

  • 36 = 22 × 32
  • 18 = 2 × 32
  • GCF (36; 18) = 2 × 32 = 18

- 36/18 = - (36 ÷ 18)/(18 ÷ 18) = - 2/1 = - 2


The fraction can also be reduced without calculating GCF; factor the numerator and denominator and cross out all the common prime factors:


- 36/18 = - (22 × 32)/(2 × 32) = - ((22 × 32) ÷ (2 × 32))/((2 × 32) ÷ (2 × 32)) = - 2/1 = - 2




Sort the integer numbers in ascending order.

This is a simple case of comparing and sorting integer numbers.

The integer numbers are a particular case of those fractions that have a denominator equal to 1.


::: The operation of comparing fractions :::
The final answer:

The integer numbers sorted in ascending order:
- 4 < - 2

The initial fractions sorted in ascending order:
- 32/8 < - 36/18

How are the numbers written: comma ',' used as a thousands separator; point '.' as a decimal separator; numbers rounded off to max. 12 decimals (if the case). Used symbols: '/' the fraction bar; ÷ dividing; × multiplying; + plus (adding); - minus (subtracting); = equal; ≈ approximately equal.

Other similar operations

Compare and sort the fractions in ascending order:
36/18 and 40/23

» New. All the Calculations Performed by Our Visitors: Common Fractions Compared and Sorted. Data organized on a Monthly Basis

Compare and sort common fractions, online calculator:

Tutoring: Comparing ordinary fractions

How to compare two fractions?

1. Fractions that have different signs:

  • Any positive fraction is larger than any negative fraction:
  • ie: 4/25 > - 19/2

2. A proper and an improper fraction:

  • Any positive improper fraction is larger than any positive proper fraction:
  • ie: 44/25 > 1 > 19/200
  • Any negative improper fraction is smaller than any negative proper fraction:
  • ie: - 44/25 < -1 < - 19/200

3. Fractions that have both like numerators and denominators:

  • The fractions are equal:
  • ie: 89/50 = 89/50

4. Fractions that have unlike (different) numerators but like (equal) denominators.

  • Positive fractions: compare the numerators, the larger fraction is the one with the larger numerator:
  • ie: 24/25 > 19/25
  • Negative fractions: compare the numerators, the larger fraction is the one with the smaller numerator:
  • ie: - 19/25 < - 17/25

5. Fractions that have unlike (different) denominators but like (equal) numerators.

  • Positive fractions: compare the denominators, the larger fraction is the one with the smaller denominator:
  • ie: 24/25 > 24/26
  • Negative fractions: compare the denominators, the larger fraction is the one with the larger denominator:
  • ie: - 17/25 < - 17/29

6. Fractions that have different denominators and numerators (unlike denominators and numerators).

More on ordinary (common) fractions / theory: