Compare 7/72 and 20/36
7/72 is smaller than 20/36
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 36 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 1 = 72,
7/72 = 7 × 1/72 × 1 = 7/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 2 = 72,
20/36 = 20 × 2/36 × 2 = 40/72 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 7/72 < 40/72 or 7/72 < 20/36
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