Compare 1/7 and 5/20
1/7 is smaller than 5/20
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 7 and 20 is 140
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 140 - For the 1st fraction, since 7 × 20 = 140,
1/7 = 1 × 20/7 × 20 = 20/140 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 20 × 7 = 140,
5/20 = 5 × 7/20 × 7 = 35/140 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 20/140 < 35/140 or 1/7 < 5/20
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