Compare 4/20 and 12/40
4/20 is smaller than 12/40
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 20 and 40 is 40
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 40 - For the 1st fraction, since 20 × 2 = 40,
4/20 = 4 × 2/20 × 2 = 8/40 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 1 = 40,
12/40 = 12 × 1/40 × 1 = 12/40 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 8/40 < 12/40 or 4/20 < 12/40
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