Compare 12/60 and 40/9
1st number: 12/60, 2nd number: 4 4/9
12/60 is smaller than 40/9
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 60 and 9 is 180
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 180 - For the 1st fraction, since 60 × 3 = 180,
12/60 = 12 × 3/60 × 3 = 36/180 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 9 × 20 = 180,
40/9 = 40 × 20/9 × 20 = 800/180 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 36/180 < 800/180 or 12/60 < 40/9
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 24/60 and 40/9 12/60 and 80/9 12/60 and 40/18 36/60 and 40/9 12/60 and 40/27 12/60 and 40/45 84/60 and 40/9 12/60 and 40/63