Compare 4/40 and 2/12
4/40 is smaller than 2/12
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 12 is 120
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 120 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 3 = 120,
4/40 = 4 × 3/40 × 3 = 12/120 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 12 × 10 = 120,
2/12 = 2 × 10/12 × 10 = 20/120 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 12/120 < 20/120 or 4/40 < 2/12
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