Compare 5/18 and 21/45
5/18 is smaller than 21/45
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 18 and 45 is 90
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 90 - For the 1st fraction, since 18 × 5 = 90,
5/18 = 5 × 5/18 × 5 = 25/90 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 45 × 2 = 90,
21/45 = 21 × 2/45 × 2 = 42/90 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 25/90 < 42/90 or 5/18 < 21/45
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