Compare 2/32 and 12/16
2/32 is smaller than 12/16
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 32 and 16 is 32
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 32 - For the 1st fraction, since 32 × 1 = 32,
2/32 = 2 × 1/32 × 1 = 2/32 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 2 = 32,
12/16 = 12 × 2/16 × 2 = 24/32 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 2/32 < 24/32 or 2/32 < 12/16
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