Compare 42/10 and 72/12
1st number: 4 2/10, 2nd number: 6 0/12
42/10 is smaller than 72/12
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 10 and 12 is 60
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 60 - For the 1st fraction, since 10 × 6 = 60,
42/10 = 42 × 6/10 × 6 = 252/60 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 12 × 5 = 60,
72/12 = 72 × 5/12 × 5 = 360/60 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 252/60 < 360/60 or 42/10 < 72/12
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/10 and 72/12 42/20 and 72/12 42/10 and 72/24 42/30 and 72/12 42/10 and 72/36 42/50 and 72/12 42/10 and 72/60 42/70 and 72/12 42/10 and 72/84