Compare 5/36 and 3/8
5/36 is smaller than 3/8
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 36 and 8 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 36 × 2 = 72,
5/36 = 5 × 2/36 × 2 = 10/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 8 × 9 = 72,
3/8 = 3 × 9/8 × 9 = 27/72 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 10/72 < 27/72 or 5/36 < 3/8
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