Compare 3/42 and 12/49
3/42 is smaller than 12/49
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 49 is 294
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 294 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 7 = 294,
3/42 = 3 × 7/42 × 7 = 21/294 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 49 × 6 = 294,
12/49 = 12 × 6/49 × 6 = 72/294 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 21/294 < 72/294 or 3/42 < 12/49
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