Compare 1/2 and 36/32
1st number: 1/2, 2nd number: 1 4/32
1/2 is smaller than 36/32
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 2 and 32 is 32
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 32 - For the 1st fraction, since 2 × 16 = 32,
1/2 = 1 × 16/2 × 16 = 16/32 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 32 × 1 = 32,
36/32 = 36 × 1/32 × 1 = 36/32 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 16/32 < 36/32 or 1/2 < 36/32
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