Compare 3/72 and 8/20
3/72 is smaller than 8/20
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,
8/20 = 8 × 18/20 × 18 = 144/360 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 15/360 < 144/360 or 3/72 < 8/20
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 6/72 and 8/20 3/72 and 16/20 3/72 and 8/40 9/72 and 8/20 3/72 and 24/20 3/72 and 8/60 15/72 and 8/20 3/72 and 40/20 21/72 and 8/20 3/72 and 56/20