Compare 36/48 and 20/5
1st number: 36/48, 2nd number: 4 0/5
36/48 is smaller than 20/5
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 48 and 5 is 240
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 240 - For the 1st fraction, since 48 × 5 = 240,
36/48 = 36 × 5/48 × 5 = 180/240 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 5 × 48 = 240,
20/5 = 20 × 48/5 × 48 = 960/240 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 180/240 < 960/240 or 36/48 < 20/5
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 72/48 and 20/5 36/48 and 40/5 36/96 and 20/5 36/48 and 20/10 36/48 and 60/5 36/48 and 20/15 36/48 and 20/25 36/48 and 20/35