Compare 2/56 and 12/36
2/56 is smaller than 12/36
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 56 and 36 is 504
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 504 - For the 1st fraction, since 56 × 9 = 504,
2/56 = 2 × 9/56 × 9 = 18/504 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 14 = 504,
12/36 = 12 × 14/36 × 14 = 168/504 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 18/504 < 168/504 or 2/56 < 12/36
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