Compare 12/16 and 3/42
12/16 is greater than 3/42
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 16 and 42 is 336
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 336 - For the 1st fraction, since 16 × 21 = 336,
12/16 = 12 × 21/16 × 21 = 252/336 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 8 = 336,
3/42 = 3 × 8/42 × 8 = 24/336 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 252/336 > 24/336 or 12/16 > 3/42
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