Compare 5/60 and 15/40
5/60 is smaller than 15/40
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 60 and 40 is 120
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 120 - For the 1st fraction, since 60 × 2 = 120,
5/60 = 5 × 2/60 × 2 = 10/120 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 3 = 120,
15/40 = 15 × 3/40 × 3 = 45/120 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 10/120 < 45/120 or 5/60 < 15/40
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