Compare 5/36 and 15/45
5/36 is smaller than 15/45
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 36 and 45 is 180
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 180 - For the 1st fraction, since 36 × 5 = 180,
5/36 = 5 × 5/36 × 5 = 25/180 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 45 × 4 = 180,
15/45 = 15 × 4/45 × 4 = 60/180 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 25/180 < 60/180 or 5/36 < 15/45
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