Compare 1/5 and 12/21
1/5 is smaller than 12/21
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 5 and 21 is 105
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 105 - For the 1st fraction, since 5 × 21 = 105,
1/5 = 1 × 21/5 × 21 = 21/105 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 21 × 5 = 105,
12/21 = 12 × 5/21 × 5 = 60/105 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 21/105 < 60/105 or 1/5 < 12/21
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