Final answer:
First, simplify (3/12)-(2/40) to (1/4)-(1/20) which further simplifies to (1/5). The number 5(12/16) simplified to 5(3/4) which converts to (23/4). Comparing (1/5) to (23/4), the numbers in order from least to greatest are (3/12)-(2/40) then 5(12/16).
Step-by-step explanation:
To arrange the numbers (3/12)-(2/40) and 5(12/16) in order from least to greatest, we first need to simplify each expression. The fraction (3/12) can be reduced to (1/4) since 3 and 12 both divide by 3. For the second term, (2/40) can be reduced to (1/20) since 2 and 40 both divide by 2. The subtraction of these gives us (1/4) - (1/20), which we need to express with a common denominator. Multiplying both terms by 5, the expression becomes (5/20) - (1/20) = (4/20), and further reduction gives us (1/5).
Next, we look at the number 5(12/16) which can be simplified since 12 and 16 share a common factor of 4, resulting in 5(3/4). This expression is a mixed number and can be converted into an improper fraction: (5 × 4 + 3)/4 = 23/4.
Now, we compare (1/5) and (23/4). Converting (1/5) to have a common denominator with (23/4), we have (4/20) compared to (460/20). Clearly, (1/5) or (4/20) is less than (23/4). Therefore, the numbers in order from least to greatest are (3/12)-(2/40) then 5(12/16).