Compare 12/32 and 42/54
12/32 is smaller than 42/54
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 32 and 54 is 864
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 864 - For the 1st fraction, since 32 × 27 = 864,
12/32 = 12 × 27/32 × 27 = 324/864 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 54 × 16 = 864,
42/54 = 42 × 16/54 × 16 = 672/864 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 324/864 < 672/864 or 12/32 < 42/54
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