Compare 5/50 and 3/12
5/50 is smaller than 3/12
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 50 and 12 is 300
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 300 - For the 1st fraction, since 50 × 6 = 300,
5/50 = 5 × 6/50 × 6 = 30/300 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 12 × 25 = 300,
3/12 = 3 × 25/12 × 25 = 75/300 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 30/300 < 75/300 or 5/50 < 3/12
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