Compare 5/12 and 18/30
5/12 is smaller than 18/30
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 30 is 60
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 60 - For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 5 = 60,
5/12 = 5 × 5/12 × 5 = 25/60 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 30 × 2 = 60,
18/30 = 18 × 2/30 × 2 = 36/60 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 25/60 < 36/60 or 5/12 < 18/30
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