Compare 3/12 and 21/54
3/12 is smaller than 21/54
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 54 is 108
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 108 - For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 9 = 108,
3/12 = 3 × 9/12 × 9 = 27/108 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 54 × 2 = 108,
21/54 = 21 × 2/54 × 2 = 42/108 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 27/108 < 42/108 or 3/12 < 21/54
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