Compare 5/20 and 72/36
1st number: 5/20, 2nd number: 2 0/36
5/20 is smaller than 72/36
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 20 and 36 is 180
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 180 - For the 1st fraction, since 20 × 9 = 180,
5/20 = 5 × 9/20 × 9 = 45/180 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 5 = 180,
72/36 = 72 × 5/36 × 5 = 360/180 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 45/180 < 360/180 or 5/20 < 72/36
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 10/20 and 72/36 5/40 and 72/36 15/20 and 72/36 5/60 and 72/36 25/20 and 72/36 35/20 and 72/36