Compare 12/32 and 15/20
12/32 is smaller than 15/20
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 32 and 20 is 160
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 160 - For the 1st fraction, since 32 × 5 = 160,
12/32 = 12 × 5/32 × 5 = 60/160 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 20 × 8 = 160,
15/20 = 15 × 8/20 × 8 = 120/160 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 60/160 < 120/160 or 12/32 < 15/20
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