Compare 3/45 and 12/36
3/45 is smaller than 12/36
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 45 and 36 is 180
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 180 - For the 1st fraction, since 45 × 4 = 180,
3/45 = 3 × 4/45 × 4 = 12/180 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 5 = 180,
12/36 = 12 × 5/36 × 5 = 60/180 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 12/180 < 60/180 or 3/45 < 12/36
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 6/45 and 12/36 3/45 and 24/36 3/90 and 12/36 3/45 and 12/72 9/45 and 12/36 15/45 and 12/36 3/45 and 60/36 21/45 and 12/36 3/45 and 84/36