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Answers.everydaycalculation.com » Compare fractions

Compare 12/42 and 20/56

12/42 is smaller than 20/56

Steps for comparing fractions

  1. Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
    LCM of 42 and 56 is 168

    Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 168
  2. For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 4 = 168,
    12/42 = 12 × 4/42 × 4 = 48/168
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 56 × 3 = 168,
    20/56 = 20 × 3/56 × 3 = 60/168
  4. Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
  5. 48/168 < 60/168 or 12/42 < 20/56

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