Compare 2/36 and 72/45
1st number: 2/36, 2nd number: 1 27/45
2/36 is smaller than 72/45
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 36 and 45 is 180
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 180 - For the 1st fraction, since 36 × 5 = 180,
2/36 = 2 × 5/36 × 5 = 10/180 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 45 × 4 = 180,
72/45 = 72 × 4/45 × 4 = 288/180 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 10/180 < 288/180 or 2/36 < 72/45
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