Compare 3/45 and 72/36
1st number: 3/45, 2nd number: 2 0/36
3/45 is smaller than 72/36
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,
72/36 = 72 × 5/36 × 5 = 360/180 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 12/180 < 360/180 or 3/45 < 72/36
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