Compare 3/40 and 12/15
3/40 is smaller than 12/15
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 15 is 120
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 120 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 3 = 120,
3/40 = 3 × 3/40 × 3 = 9/120 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 15 × 8 = 120,
12/15 = 12 × 8/15 × 8 = 96/120 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 9/120 < 96/120 or 3/40 < 12/15
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 6/40 and 12/15 3/40 and 24/15 3/80 and 12/15 3/40 and 12/30 9/40 and 12/15 3/40 and 36/15 3/40 and 12/45 15/40 and 12/15 3/40 and 60/15 3/40 and 12/75 21/40 and 12/15 3/40 and 84/15