Compare 12/48 and 42/80
12/48 is smaller than 42/80
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 48 and 80 is 240
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 240 - For the 1st fraction, since 48 × 5 = 240,
12/48 = 12 × 5/48 × 5 = 60/240 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 80 × 3 = 240,
42/80 = 42 × 3/80 × 3 = 126/240 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 60/240 < 126/240 or 12/48 < 42/80
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