Compare 5/48 and 3/20
5/48 is smaller than 3/20
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 48 and 20 is 240
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 240 - For the 1st fraction, since 48 × 5 = 240,
5/48 = 5 × 5/48 × 5 = 25/240 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 20 × 12 = 240,
3/20 = 3 × 12/20 × 12 = 36/240 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 25/240 < 36/240 or 5/48 < 3/20
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