Compare 5/21 and 12/27
5/21 is smaller than 12/27
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 21 and 27 is 189
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 189 - For the 1st fraction, since 21 × 9 = 189,
5/21 = 5 × 9/21 × 9 = 45/189 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 27 × 7 = 189,
12/27 = 12 × 7/27 × 7 = 84/189 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 45/189 < 84/189 or 5/21 < 12/27
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