Compare 5/20 and 20/72
5/20 is smaller than 20/72
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 20 and 72 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 20 × 18 = 360,
5/20 = 5 × 18/20 × 18 = 90/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
20/72 = 20 × 5/72 × 5 = 100/360 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 90/360 < 100/360 or 5/20 < 20/72
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