Compare 3/40 and 20/36
3/40 is smaller than 20/36
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 36 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 9 = 360,
3/40 = 3 × 9/40 × 9 = 27/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 10 = 360,
20/36 = 20 × 10/36 × 10 = 200/360 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 27/360 < 200/360 or 3/40 < 20/36
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