Compare 5/20 and 35/40
5/20 is smaller than 35/40
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 20 and 40 is 40
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 40 - For the 1st fraction, since 20 × 2 = 40,
5/20 = 5 × 2/20 × 2 = 10/40 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 1 = 40,
35/40 = 35 × 1/40 × 1 = 35/40 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 10/40 < 35/40 or 5/20 < 35/40
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