Compare 3/40 and 5/12
3/40 is smaller than 5/12
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 12 is 120
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 120 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 3 = 120,
3/40 = 3 × 3/40 × 3 = 9/120 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 12 × 10 = 120,
5/12 = 5 × 10/12 × 10 = 50/120 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 9/120 < 50/120 or 3/40 < 5/12
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