Compare 5/12 and 42/45
5/12 is smaller than 42/45
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 45 is 180
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 180 - For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 15 = 180,
5/12 = 5 × 15/12 × 15 = 75/180 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 45 × 4 = 180,
42/45 = 42 × 4/45 × 4 = 168/180 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 75/180 < 168/180 or 5/12 < 42/45
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