Compare 5/12 and 15/20
5/12 is smaller than 15/20
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 20 is 60
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 60 - For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 5 = 60,
5/12 = 5 × 5/12 × 5 = 25/60 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 20 × 3 = 60,
15/20 = 15 × 3/20 × 3 = 45/60 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 25/60 < 45/60 or 5/12 < 15/20
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