Compare 3/15 and 45/36
1st number: 3/15, 2nd number: 1 9/36
3/15 is smaller than 45/36
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 15 and 36 is 180
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 180 - For the 1st fraction, since 15 × 12 = 180,
3/15 = 3 × 12/15 × 12 = 36/180 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 5 = 180,
45/36 = 45 × 5/36 × 5 = 225/180 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 36/180 < 225/180 or 3/15 < 45/36
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