Compare 12/84 and 21/18
1st number: 12/84, 2nd number: 1 3/18
12/84 is smaller than 21/18
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 84 and 18 is 252
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 252 - For the 1st fraction, since 84 × 3 = 252,
12/84 = 12 × 3/84 × 3 = 36/252 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 18 × 14 = 252,
21/18 = 21 × 14/18 × 14 = 294/252 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 36/252 < 294/252 or 12/84 < 21/18
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 21/18 12/84 and 42/18 12/84 and 21/36 36/84 and 21/18 12/84 and 63/18 12/84 and 21/54 60/84 and 21/18 12/84 and 21/90