Compare 3/12 and 54/42
1st number: 3/12, 2nd number: 1 12/42
3/12 is smaller than 54/42
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 42 is 84
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 84 - For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 7 = 84,
3/12 = 3 × 7/12 × 7 = 21/84 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 2 = 84,
54/42 = 54 × 2/42 × 2 = 108/84 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 21/84 < 108/84 or 3/12 < 54/42
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 6/12 and 54/42 3/24 and 54/42 3/12 and 54/84 9/12 and 54/42 3/36 and 54/42 15/12 and 54/42 3/60 and 54/42 21/12 and 54/42 3/84 and 54/42