Compare 3/9 and 6/12
3/9 is smaller than 6/12
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 9 and 12 is 36
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 36 - For the 1st fraction, since 9 × 4 = 36,
3/9 = 3 × 4/9 × 4 = 12/36 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 12 × 3 = 36,
6/12 = 6 × 3/12 × 3 = 18/36 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 12/36 < 18/36 or 3/9 < 6/12
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