Compare 12/42 and 32/63
12/42 is smaller than 32/63
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 63 is 126
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 126 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 3 = 126,
12/42 = 12 × 3/42 × 3 = 36/126 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 63 × 2 = 126,
32/63 = 32 × 2/63 × 2 = 64/126 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 36/126 < 64/126 or 12/42 < 32/63
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