Compare 5/15 and 12/32
5/15 is smaller than 12/32
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 15 and 32 is 480
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 480 - For the 1st fraction, since 15 × 32 = 480,
5/15 = 5 × 32/15 × 32 = 160/480 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 32 × 15 = 480,
12/32 = 12 × 15/32 × 15 = 180/480 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 160/480 < 180/480 or 5/15 < 12/32
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