Compare 3/12 and 14/40
3/12 is smaller than 14/40
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 40 is 120
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 120 - For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 10 = 120,
3/12 = 3 × 10/12 × 10 = 30/120 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 3 = 120,
14/40 = 14 × 3/40 × 3 = 42/120 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 30/120 < 42/120 or 3/12 < 14/40
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