Compare 2/12 and 45/40
1st number: 2/12, 2nd number: 1 5/40
2/12 is smaller than 45/40
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 40 is 120
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 120 - For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 10 = 120,
2/12 = 2 × 10/12 × 10 = 20/120 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 3 = 120,
45/40 = 45 × 3/40 × 3 = 135/120 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 20/120 < 135/120 or 2/12 < 45/40
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 4/12 and 45/40 2/12 and 90/40 2/24 and 45/40 2/12 and 45/80 6/12 and 45/40 2/36 and 45/40 10/12 and 45/40 2/60 and 45/40 14/12 and 45/40 2/84 and 45/40