Compare 3/15 and 4/12
3/15 is smaller than 4/12
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 15 and 12 is 60
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 60 - For the 1st fraction, since 15 × 4 = 60,
3/15 = 3 × 4/15 × 4 = 12/60 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 12 × 5 = 60,
4/12 = 4 × 5/12 × 5 = 20/60 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 12/60 < 20/60 or 3/15 < 4/12
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