Compare 40/45 and 15/12
1st number: 40/45, 2nd number: 1 3/12
40/45 is smaller than 15/12
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 45 and 12 is 180
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 180 - For the 1st fraction, since 45 × 4 = 180,
40/45 = 40 × 4/45 × 4 = 160/180 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 12 × 15 = 180,
15/12 = 15 × 15/12 × 15 = 225/180 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 160/180 < 225/180 or 40/45 < 15/12
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