Compare 4/42 and 9/12
4/42 is smaller than 9/12
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 12 is 84
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 84 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 2 = 84,
4/42 = 4 × 2/42 × 2 = 8/84 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 12 × 7 = 84,
9/12 = 9 × 7/12 × 7 = 63/84 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 8/84 < 63/84 or 4/42 < 9/12
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 9/12 4/42 and 18/12 4/84 and 9/12 4/42 and 9/24 12/42 and 9/12 4/42 and 27/12 4/42 and 9/36 20/42 and 9/12 4/42 and 45/12 4/42 and 9/60 28/42 and 9/12 4/42 and 63/12 4/42 and 9/84