Compare 3/36 and 20/21
3/36 is smaller than 20/21
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 36 and 21 is 252
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 252 - For the 1st fraction, since 36 × 7 = 252,
3/36 = 3 × 7/36 × 7 = 21/252 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 21 × 12 = 252,
20/21 = 20 × 12/21 × 12 = 240/252 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 21/252 < 240/252 or 3/36 < 20/21
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