Compare 12/84 and 21/15
1st number: 12/84, 2nd number: 1 6/15
12/84 is smaller than 21/15
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 84 and 15 is 420
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 420 - For the 1st fraction, since 84 × 5 = 420,
12/84 = 12 × 5/84 × 5 = 60/420 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 15 × 28 = 420,
21/15 = 21 × 28/15 × 28 = 588/420 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 60/420 < 588/420 or 12/84 < 21/15
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 24/84 and 21/15 12/84 and 42/15 12/84 and 21/30 36/84 and 21/15 12/84 and 63/15 12/84 and 21/45 60/84 and 21/15 12/84 and 21/75