Compare 1/72 and 12/20
1/72 is smaller than 12/20
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 20 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
1/72 = 1 × 5/72 × 5 = 5/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 20 × 18 = 360,
12/20 = 12 × 18/20 × 18 = 216/360 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 5/360 < 216/360 or 1/72 < 12/20
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 2/72 and 12/20 1/72 and 24/20 1/72 and 12/40 3/72 and 12/20 1/72 and 36/20 1/72 and 12/60 5/72 and 12/20 1/72 and 60/20 7/72 and 12/20 1/72 and 84/20