Compare 5/9 and 18/32
5/9 is smaller than 18/32
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 9 and 32 is 288
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 288 - For the 1st fraction, since 9 × 32 = 288,
5/9 = 5 × 32/9 × 32 = 160/288 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 32 × 9 = 288,
18/32 = 18 × 9/32 × 9 = 162/288 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 160/288 < 162/288 or 5/9 < 18/32
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 10/9 and 18/32 5/9 and 36/32 5/18 and 18/32 5/9 and 18/64 15/9 and 18/32 5/9 and 54/32 5/27 and 18/32 5/9 and 18/96 25/9 and 18/32 5/9 and 90/32 5/45 and 18/32 35/9 and 18/32 5/63 and 18/32