Compare 3/12 and 40/70
3/12 is smaller than 40/70
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 70 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 70 × 6 = 420,
40/70 = 40 × 6/70 × 6 = 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 < 40/70
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 6/12 and 40/70 3/12 and 80/70 3/24 and 40/70 9/12 and 40/70 3/36 and 40/70 15/12 and 40/70 3/60 and 40/70 21/12 and 40/70 3/84 and 40/70