Compare 5/45 and 40/20
1st number: 5/45, 2nd number: 2 0/20
5/45 is smaller than 40/20
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 45 and 20 is 180
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 180 - For the 1st fraction, since 45 × 4 = 180,
5/45 = 5 × 4/45 × 4 = 20/180 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 20 × 9 = 180,
40/20 = 40 × 9/20 × 9 = 360/180 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 20/180 < 360/180 or 5/45 < 40/20
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