Compare 12/72 and 15/20
12/72 is smaller than 15/20
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 20 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
12/72 = 12 × 5/72 × 5 = 60/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 20 × 18 = 360,
15/20 = 15 × 18/20 × 18 = 270/360 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 60/360 < 270/360 or 12/72 < 15/20
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 24/72 and 15/20 12/72 and 30/20 12/72 and 15/40 36/72 and 15/20 12/72 and 45/20 12/72 and 15/60 60/72 and 15/20 12/72 and 75/20 84/72 and 15/20