Compare 36/56 and 18/5
1st number: 36/56, 2nd number: 3 3/5
36/56 is smaller than 18/5
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 56 and 5 is 280
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 280 - For the 1st fraction, since 56 × 5 = 280,
36/56 = 36 × 5/56 × 5 = 180/280 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 5 × 56 = 280,
18/5 = 18 × 56/5 × 56 = 1008/280 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 180/280 < 1008/280 or 36/56 < 18/5
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 72/56 and 18/5 36/56 and 36/5 36/56 and 18/10 36/56 and 54/5 36/56 and 18/15 36/56 and 90/5 36/56 and 18/25 36/56 and 18/35