Compare 12/50 and 16/40
12/50 is smaller than 16/40
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 50 and 40 is 200
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 200 - For the 1st fraction, since 50 × 4 = 200,
12/50 = 12 × 4/50 × 4 = 48/200 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 5 = 200,
16/40 = 16 × 5/40 × 5 = 80/200 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 48/200 < 80/200 or 12/50 < 16/40
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