Compare 12/42 and 21/27
12/42 is smaller than 21/27
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 27 is 378
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 378 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 9 = 378,
12/42 = 12 × 9/42 × 9 = 108/378 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 27 × 14 = 378,
21/27 = 21 × 14/27 × 14 = 294/378 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 108/378 < 294/378 or 12/42 < 21/27
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