Compare 16/21 and 42/12
1st number: 16/21, 2nd number: 3 6/12
16/21 is smaller than 42/12
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 21 and 12 is 84
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 84 - For the 1st fraction, since 21 × 4 = 84,
16/21 = 16 × 4/21 × 4 = 64/84 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 12 × 7 = 84,
42/12 = 42 × 7/12 × 7 = 294/84 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 64/84 < 294/84 or 16/21 < 42/12
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 32/21 and 42/12 16/21 and 84/12 16/42 and 42/12 16/21 and 42/24 48/21 and 42/12 16/63 and 42/12 16/21 and 42/36 80/21 and 42/12 16/21 and 42/60 16/21 and 42/84