Compare 5/36 and 8/20
5/36 is smaller than 8/20
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 36 and 20 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 20 × 9 = 180,
8/20 = 8 × 9/20 × 9 = 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 < 8/20
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