Compare 12/42 and 1/3
12/42 is smaller than 1/3
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 3 is 42
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 42 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 1 = 42,
12/42 = 12 × 1/42 × 1 = 12/42 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 3 × 14 = 42,
1/3 = 1 × 14/3 × 14 = 14/42 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 12/42 < 14/42 or 12/42 < 1/3
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 24/42 and 1/3 12/42 and 2/3 12/84 and 1/3 12/42 and 1/6 36/42 and 1/3 12/42 and 1/9 60/42 and 1/3 12/42 and 5/3 12/42 and 1/15 84/42 and 1/3 12/42 and 7/3 12/42 and 1/21