Compare 4/42 and 12/24
4/42 is smaller than 12/24
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 24 is 168
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 168 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 4 = 168,
4/42 = 4 × 4/42 × 4 = 16/168 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 24 × 7 = 168,
12/24 = 12 × 7/24 × 7 = 84/168 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 16/168 < 84/168 or 4/42 < 12/24
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 8/42 and 12/24 4/84 and 12/24 4/42 and 12/48 12/42 and 12/24 4/42 and 36/24 4/42 and 12/72 20/42 and 12/24 4/42 and 60/24 28/42 and 12/24 4/42 and 84/24