Compare 5/45 and 12/21
5/45 is smaller than 12/21
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 45 and 21 is 315
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 315 - For the 1st fraction, since 45 × 7 = 315,
5/45 = 5 × 7/45 × 7 = 35/315 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 21 × 15 = 315,
12/21 = 12 × 15/21 × 15 = 180/315 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 35/315 < 180/315 or 5/45 < 12/21
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 10/45 and 12/21 5/45 and 24/21 5/90 and 12/21 5/45 and 12/42 15/45 and 12/21 5/45 and 36/21 5/45 and 12/63 25/45 and 12/21 5/45 and 60/21 35/45 and 12/21 5/45 and 84/21