Compare 12/40 and 30/50
12/40 is smaller than 30/50
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 50 is 200
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 200 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 5 = 200,
12/40 = 12 × 5/40 × 5 = 60/200 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 50 × 4 = 200,
30/50 = 30 × 4/50 × 4 = 120/200 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 60/200 < 120/200 or 12/40 < 30/50
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