Compare 36/72 and 20/5
1st number: 36/72, 2nd number: 4 0/5
36/72 is smaller than 20/5
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 5 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
36/72 = 36 × 5/72 × 5 = 180/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 5 × 72 = 360,
20/5 = 20 × 72/5 × 72 = 1440/360 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 180/360 < 1440/360 or 36/72 < 20/5
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 36/72 and 40/5 36/72 and 20/10 36/72 and 60/5 36/72 and 20/15 36/72 and 20/25 36/72 and 20/35