Answers

Compare 12/42 and 12/40

12/42 is smaller than 12/40

Steps for comparing fractions

1. Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
   LCM of 42 and 40 is 840
2. For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 20 = 840,
   12/42 = 12 × 20/42 × 20 = 240/840
3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 21 = 840,
   12/40 = 12 × 21/40 × 21 = 252/840
4. Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
5. 240/840 < 252/840 or 12/42 < 12/40

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