Compare 5/32 and 8/20
5/32 is smaller than 8/20
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 32 and 20 is 160
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 160 - For the 1st fraction, since 32 × 5 = 160,
5/32 = 5 × 5/32 × 5 = 25/160 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 20 × 8 = 160,
8/20 = 8 × 8/20 × 8 = 64/160 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 25/160 < 64/160 or 5/32 < 8/20
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