Compare 5/12 and 20/32
5/12 is smaller than 20/32
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 32 is 96
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 96 - For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 8 = 96,
5/12 = 5 × 8/12 × 8 = 40/96 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 32 × 3 = 96,
20/32 = 20 × 3/32 × 3 = 60/96 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 40/96 < 60/96 or 5/12 < 20/32
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