Compare 3/72 and 16/20
3/72 is smaller than 16/20
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 20 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
3/72 = 3 × 5/72 × 5 = 15/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 20 × 18 = 360,
16/20 = 16 × 18/20 × 18 = 288/360 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 15/360 < 288/360 or 3/72 < 16/20
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