Compare 12/40 and 20/30
12/40 is smaller than 20/30
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 30 is 120
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 120 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 3 = 120,
12/40 = 12 × 3/40 × 3 = 36/120 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 30 × 4 = 120,
20/30 = 20 × 4/30 × 4 = 80/120 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 36/120 < 80/120 or 12/40 < 20/30
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