Compare 5/32 and 1/5
5/32 is smaller than 1/5
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 32 and 5 is 160
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 160 - For the 1st fraction, since 32 × 5 = 160,
5/32 = 5 × 5/32 × 5 = 25/160 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 5 × 32 = 160,
1/5 = 1 × 32/5 × 32 = 32/160 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 25/160 < 32/160 or 5/32 < 1/5
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