Compare 1/5 and 18/36
1/5 is smaller than 18/36
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 5 and 36 is 180
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 180 - For the 1st fraction, since 5 × 36 = 180,
1/5 = 1 × 36/5 × 36 = 36/180 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 5 = 180,
18/36 = 18 × 5/36 × 5 = 90/180 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 36/180 < 90/180 or 1/5 < 18/36
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