Compare 1/32 and 20/40
1/32 is smaller than 20/40
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 32 and 40 is 160
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 160 - For the 1st fraction, since 32 × 5 = 160,
1/32 = 1 × 5/32 × 5 = 5/160 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 4 = 160,
20/40 = 20 × 4/40 × 4 = 80/160 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 5/160 < 80/160 or 1/32 < 20/40
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