Compare 3/18 and 18/72
3/18 is smaller than 18/72
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 18 and 72 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 18 × 4 = 72,
3/18 = 3 × 4/18 × 4 = 12/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 1 = 72,
18/72 = 18 × 1/72 × 1 = 18/72 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 12/72 < 18/72 or 3/18 < 18/72
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