Compare 12/48 and 42/36
1st number: 12/48, 2nd number: 1 6/36
12/48 is smaller than 42/36
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 48 and 36 is 144
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 144 - For the 1st fraction, since 48 × 3 = 144,
12/48 = 12 × 3/48 × 3 = 36/144 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 4 = 144,
42/36 = 42 × 4/36 × 4 = 168/144 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 36/144 < 168/144 or 12/48 < 42/36
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