Compare 4/16 and 12/42
4/16 is smaller than 12/42
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 16 and 42 is 336
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 336 - For the 1st fraction, since 16 × 21 = 336,
4/16 = 4 × 21/16 × 21 = 84/336 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 8 = 336,
12/42 = 12 × 8/42 × 8 = 96/336 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 84/336 < 96/336 or 4/16 < 12/42
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