Compare 3/12 and 20/35
3/12 is smaller than 20/35
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 35 is 420
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 420 - For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 35 = 420,
3/12 = 3 × 35/12 × 35 = 105/420 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 35 × 12 = 420,
20/35 = 20 × 12/35 × 12 = 240/420 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 105/420 < 240/420 or 3/12 < 20/35
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