Compare 5/36 and 2/5
5/36 is smaller than 2/5
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 36 and 5 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 5 × 36 = 180,
2/5 = 2 × 36/5 × 36 = 72/180 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 25/180 < 72/180 or 5/36 < 2/5
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