Compare 36/18 and 20/5
1st number: 2 0/18, 2nd number: 4 0/5
36/18 is smaller than 20/5
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 18 and 5 is 90
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 90 - For the 1st fraction, since 18 × 5 = 90,
36/18 = 36 × 5/18 × 5 = 180/90 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 5 × 18 = 90,
20/5 = 20 × 18/5 × 18 = 360/90 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 180/90 < 360/90 or 36/18 < 20/5
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