Compare 20/50 and 36/45
20/50 is smaller than 36/45
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 50 and 45 is 450
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 450 - For the 1st fraction, since 50 × 9 = 450,
20/50 = 20 × 9/50 × 9 = 180/450 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 45 × 10 = 450,
36/45 = 36 × 10/45 × 10 = 360/450 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 180/450 < 360/450 or 20/50 < 36/45
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