Compare 21/50 and 12/20
21/50 is smaller than 12/20
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 50 and 20 is 100
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 100 - For the 1st fraction, since 50 × 2 = 100,
21/50 = 21 × 2/50 × 2 = 42/100 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 20 × 5 = 100,
12/20 = 12 × 5/20 × 5 = 60/100 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 42/100 < 60/100 or 21/50 < 12/20
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