Compare 5/36 and 21/50
5/36 is smaller than 21/50
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 36 and 50 is 900
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 900 - For the 1st fraction, since 36 × 25 = 900,
5/36 = 5 × 25/36 × 25 = 125/900 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 50 × 18 = 900,
21/50 = 21 × 18/50 × 18 = 378/900 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 125/900 < 378/900 or 5/36 < 21/50
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