Compare 5/20 and 20/32
5/20 is smaller than 20/32
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 20 and 32 is 160
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 160 - For the 1st fraction, since 20 × 8 = 160,
5/20 = 5 × 8/20 × 8 = 40/160 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 32 × 5 = 160,
20/32 = 20 × 5/32 × 5 = 100/160 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 40/160 < 100/160 or 5/20 < 20/32
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