Compare 5/36 and 2/12
5/36 is smaller than 2/12
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 36 and 12 is 36
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 36 - For the 1st fraction, since 36 × 1 = 36,
5/36 = 5 × 1/36 × 1 = 5/36 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 12 × 3 = 36,
2/12 = 2 × 3/12 × 3 = 6/36 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 5/36 < 6/36 or 5/36 < 2/12
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