Compare 1/5 and 3/9
15 is smaller than 39
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 5 and 9 is 45
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 45 - For the 1st fraction, since 5 × 9 = 45,
15 = 1 × 95 × 9 = 945 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 9 × 5 = 45,
39 = 3 × 59 × 5 = 1545 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 945 < 1545 or 15 < 39
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