Compare 12/40 and 36/48
12/40 is smaller than 36/48
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 48 is 240
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 240 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 6 = 240,
12/40 = 12 × 6/40 × 6 = 72/240 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 48 × 5 = 240,
36/48 = 36 × 5/48 × 5 = 180/240 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 72/240 < 180/240 or 12/40 < 36/48
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