Compare 3/20 and 16/36
3/20 is smaller than 16/36
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 20 and 36 is 180
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 180 - For the 1st fraction, since 20 × 9 = 180,
3/20 = 3 × 9/20 × 9 = 27/180 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 5 = 180,
16/36 = 16 × 5/36 × 5 = 80/180 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 27/180 < 80/180 or 3/20 < 16/36
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