Compare 8/20 and 36/56
8/20 is smaller than 36/56
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 20 and 56 is 280
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 280 - For the 1st fraction, since 20 × 14 = 280,
8/20 = 8 × 14/20 × 14 = 112/280 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 56 × 5 = 280,
36/56 = 36 × 5/56 × 5 = 180/280 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 112/280 < 180/280 or 8/20 < 36/56
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 16/20 and 36/56 8/20 and 72/56 8/40 and 36/56 24/20 and 36/56 8/60 and 36/56 40/20 and 36/56 56/20 and 36/56