Compare 12/56 and 35/40
12/56 is smaller than 35/40
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 56 and 40 is 280
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 280 - For the 1st fraction, since 56 × 5 = 280,
12/56 = 12 × 5/56 × 5 = 60/280 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 7 = 280,
35/40 = 35 × 7/40 × 7 = 245/280 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 60/280 < 245/280 or 12/56 < 35/40
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