Compare 1/45 and 42/12
1st number: 1/45, 2nd number: 3 6/12
1/45 is smaller than 42/12
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 45 and 12 is 180
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 180 - For the 1st fraction, since 45 × 4 = 180,
1/45 = 1 × 4/45 × 4 = 4/180 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 12 × 15 = 180,
42/12 = 42 × 15/12 × 15 = 630/180 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 4/180 < 630/180 or 1/45 < 42/12
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