Compare 12/21 and 49/36
1st number: 12/21, 2nd number: 1 13/36
12/21 is smaller than 49/36
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 21 and 36 is 252
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 252 - For the 1st fraction, since 21 × 12 = 252,
12/21 = 12 × 12/21 × 12 = 144/252 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 7 = 252,
49/36 = 49 × 7/36 × 7 = 343/252 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 144/252 < 343/252 or 12/21 < 49/36
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 24/21 and 49/36 12/21 and 98/36 12/42 and 49/36 12/21 and 49/72 36/21 and 49/36 12/63 and 49/36 60/21 and 49/36 84/21 and 49/36