Compare 4/42 and 12/16
4/42 is smaller than 12/16
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 16 is 336
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 336 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 8 = 336,
4/42 = 4 × 8/42 × 8 = 32/336 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 21 = 336,
12/16 = 12 × 21/16 × 21 = 252/336 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 32/336 < 252/336 or 4/42 < 12/16
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