Compare 12/48 and 15/20
12/48 is smaller than 15/20
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 48 and 20 is 240
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 240 - For the 1st fraction, since 48 × 5 = 240,
12/48 = 12 × 5/48 × 5 = 60/240 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 20 × 12 = 240,
15/20 = 15 × 12/20 × 12 = 180/240 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 60/240 < 180/240 or 12/48 < 15/20
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