Compare 3/20 and 21/72
3/20 is smaller than 21/72
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 20 and 72 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 20 × 18 = 360,
3/20 = 3 × 18/20 × 18 = 54/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
21/72 = 21 × 5/72 × 5 = 105/360 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 54/360 < 105/360 or 3/20 < 21/72
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