Compare 4/12 and 20/45
4/12 is smaller than 20/45
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 45 is 180
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 180 - For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 15 = 180,
4/12 = 4 × 15/12 × 15 = 60/180 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 45 × 4 = 180,
20/45 = 20 × 4/45 × 4 = 80/180 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 60/180 < 80/180 or 4/12 < 20/45
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