Compare 4/9 and 12/20
4/9 is smaller than 12/20
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 9 and 20 is 180
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 180 - For the 1st fraction, since 9 × 20 = 180,
4/9 = 4 × 20/9 × 20 = 80/180 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 20 × 9 = 180,
12/20 = 12 × 9/20 × 9 = 108/180 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 80/180 < 108/180 or 4/9 < 12/20
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