Compare 5/36 and 18/40
5/36 is smaller than 18/40
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 36 and 40 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 36 × 10 = 360,
5/36 = 5 × 10/36 × 10 = 50/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 9 = 360,
18/40 = 18 × 9/40 × 9 = 162/360 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 50/360 < 162/360 or 5/36 < 18/40
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