Compare 2/5 and 9/18
2/5 is smaller than 9/18
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 5 and 18 is 90
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 90 - For the 1st fraction, since 5 × 18 = 90,
2/5 = 2 × 18/5 × 18 = 36/90 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 18 × 5 = 90,
9/18 = 9 × 5/18 × 5 = 45/90 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 36/90 < 45/90 or 2/5 < 9/18
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