Compare 1/42 and 12/56
1/42 is smaller than 12/56
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 56 is 168
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 168 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 4 = 168,
1/42 = 1 × 4/42 × 4 = 4/168 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 56 × 3 = 168,
12/56 = 12 × 3/56 × 3 = 36/168 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 4/168 < 36/168 or 1/42 < 12/56
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