Compare 1/5 and 6/12
1/5 is smaller than 6/12
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 5 and 12 is 60
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 60 - For the 1st fraction, since 5 × 12 = 60,
1/5 = 1 × 12/5 × 12 = 12/60 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 12 × 5 = 60,
6/12 = 6 × 5/12 × 5 = 30/60 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 12/60 < 30/60 or 1/5 < 6/12
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