Compare 12/20 and 42/49
12/20 is smaller than 42/49
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 20 and 49 is 980
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 980 - For the 1st fraction, since 20 × 49 = 980,
12/20 = 12 × 49/20 × 49 = 588/980 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 49 × 20 = 980,
42/49 = 42 × 20/49 × 20 = 840/980 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 588/980 < 840/980 or 12/20 < 42/49
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