Compare 3/6 and 12/21
3/6 is smaller than 12/21
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 6 and 21 is 42
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 42 - For the 1st fraction, since 6 × 7 = 42,
3/6 = 3 × 7/6 × 7 = 21/42 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 21 × 2 = 42,
12/21 = 12 × 2/21 × 2 = 24/42 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 21/42 < 24/42 or 3/6 < 12/21
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