Compare 1/12 and 3/21
1/12 is smaller than 3/21
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 21 is 84
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 84 - For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 7 = 84,
1/12 = 1 × 7/12 × 7 = 7/84 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 21 × 4 = 84,
3/21 = 3 × 4/21 × 4 = 12/84 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 7/84 < 12/84 or 1/12 < 3/21
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