Compare 5/12 and 36/40
5/12 is smaller than 36/40
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 40 is 120
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 120 - For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 10 = 120,
5/12 = 5 × 10/12 × 10 = 50/120 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 3 = 120,
36/40 = 36 × 3/40 × 3 = 108/120 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 50/120 < 108/120 or 5/12 < 36/40
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