Compare 5/45 and 18/21
5/45 is smaller than 18/21
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 45 and 21 is 315
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 315 - For the 1st fraction, since 45 × 7 = 315,
5/45 = 5 × 7/45 × 7 = 35/315 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 21 × 15 = 315,
18/21 = 18 × 15/21 × 15 = 270/315 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 35/315 < 270/315 or 5/45 < 18/21
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