Compare 36/84 and 5/8
36/84 is smaller than 5/8
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 84 and 8 is 168
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 168 - For the 1st fraction, since 84 × 2 = 168,
36/84 = 36 × 2/84 × 2 = 72/168 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 8 × 21 = 168,
5/8 = 5 × 21/8 × 21 = 105/168 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 72/168 < 105/168 or 36/84 < 5/8
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