Compare 4/12 and 21/42
4/12 is smaller than 21/42
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,
4/12 = 4 × 7/12 × 7 = 28/84 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 2 = 84,
21/42 = 21 × 2/42 × 2 = 42/84 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 28/84 < 42/84 or 4/12 < 21/42
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 8/12 and 21/42 4/24 and 21/42 4/12 and 21/84 4/12 and 63/42 4/36 and 21/42 20/12 and 21/42 4/60 and 21/42 28/12 and 21/42 4/84 and 21/42