Compare 5/40 and 9/20
5/40 is smaller than 9/20
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 20 is 40
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 40 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 1 = 40,
5/40 = 5 × 1/40 × 1 = 5/40 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 20 × 2 = 40,
9/20 = 9 × 2/20 × 2 = 18/40 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 5/40 < 18/40 or 5/40 < 9/20
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