Compare 2/5 and 72/36
1st number: 2/5, 2nd number: 2 0/36
2/5 is smaller than 72/36
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,
2/5 = 2 × 36/5 × 36 = 72/180 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 5 = 180,
72/36 = 72 × 5/36 × 5 = 360/180 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 72/180 < 360/180 or 2/5 < 72/36
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