Compare 3/12 and 21/32
3/12 is smaller than 21/32
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 32 is 96
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 96 - For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 8 = 96,
3/12 = 3 × 8/12 × 8 = 24/96 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 32 × 3 = 96,
21/32 = 21 × 3/32 × 3 = 63/96 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 24/96 < 63/96 or 3/12 < 21/32
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