Compare 4/36 and 12/20
4/36 is smaller than 12/20
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 36 and 20 is 180
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 180 - For the 1st fraction, since 36 × 5 = 180,
4/36 = 4 × 5/36 × 5 = 20/180 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 20 × 9 = 180,
12/20 = 12 × 9/20 × 9 = 108/180 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 20/180 < 108/180 or 4/36 < 12/20
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 8/36 and 12/20 4/36 and 24/20 4/72 and 12/20 4/36 and 12/40 12/36 and 12/20 4/36 and 36/20 4/36 and 12/60 20/36 and 12/20 4/36 and 60/20 28/36 and 12/20 4/36 and 84/20