Compare 3/8 and 20/32
3/8 is smaller than 20/32
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 8 and 32 is 32
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 32 - For the 1st fraction, since 8 × 4 = 32,
3/8 = 3 × 4/8 × 4 = 12/32 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 32 × 1 = 32,
20/32 = 20 × 1/32 × 1 = 20/32 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 12/32 < 20/32 or 3/8 < 20/32
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