Compare 8/15 and 12/20
8/15 is smaller than 12/20
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 15 and 20 is 60
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 60 - For the 1st fraction, since 15 × 4 = 60,
8/15 = 8 × 4/15 × 4 = 32/60 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 20 × 3 = 60,
12/20 = 12 × 3/20 × 3 = 36/60 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 32/60 < 36/60 or 8/15 < 12/20
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