Compare 5/40 and 12/16
5/40 is smaller than 12/16
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 16 is 80
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 80 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 2 = 80,
5/40 = 5 × 2/40 × 2 = 10/80 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 5 = 80,
12/16 = 12 × 5/16 × 5 = 60/80 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 10/80 < 60/80 or 5/40 < 12/16
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