Compare 2/42 and 3/12
2/42 is smaller than 3/12
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 12 is 84
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 84 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 2 = 84,
2/42 = 2 × 2/42 × 2 = 4/84 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 12 × 7 = 84,
3/12 = 3 × 7/12 × 7 = 21/84 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 4/84 < 21/84 or 2/42 < 3/12
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