Compare 3/12 and 16/20
3/12 is smaller than 16/20
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 20 is 60
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 60 - For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 5 = 60,
3/12 = 3 × 5/12 × 5 = 15/60 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 20 × 3 = 60,
16/20 = 16 × 3/20 × 3 = 48/60 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 15/60 < 48/60 or 3/12 < 16/20
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