Compare 5/30 and 4/12
5/30 is smaller than 4/12
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 30 and 12 is 60
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 60 - For the 1st fraction, since 30 × 2 = 60,
5/30 = 5 × 2/30 × 2 = 10/60 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 12 × 5 = 60,
4/12 = 4 × 5/12 × 5 = 20/60 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 10/60 < 20/60 or 5/30 < 4/12
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 10/30 and 4/12 5/30 and 8/12 5/60 and 4/12 5/30 and 4/24 15/30 and 4/12 5/90 and 4/12 5/30 and 4/36 25/30 and 4/12 5/30 and 20/12 5/30 and 4/60 35/30 and 4/12 5/30 and 28/12 5/30 and 4/84