Compare 12/50 and 42/75
12/50 is smaller than 42/75
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 50 and 75 is 150
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 150 - For the 1st fraction, since 50 × 3 = 150,
12/50 = 12 × 3/50 × 3 = 36/150 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 75 × 2 = 150,
42/75 = 42 × 2/75 × 2 = 84/150 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 36/150 < 84/150 or 12/50 < 42/75
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