Compare 12/21 and 42/56
12/21 is smaller than 42/56
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 21 and 56 is 168
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 168 - For the 1st fraction, since 21 × 8 = 168,
12/21 = 12 × 8/21 × 8 = 96/168 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 56 × 3 = 168,
42/56 = 42 × 3/56 × 3 = 126/168 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 96/168 < 126/168 or 12/21 < 42/56
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