Compare 42/12 and 72/6
1st number: 3 6/12, 2nd number: 12 0/6
42/12 is smaller than 72/6
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 6 is 12
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 12 - For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 1 = 12,
42/12 = 42 × 1/12 × 1 = 42/12 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 6 × 2 = 12,
72/6 = 72 × 2/6 × 2 = 144/12 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 42/12 < 144/12 or 42/12 < 72/6
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/12 and 72/6 42/24 and 72/6 42/12 and 72/12 42/36 and 72/6 42/12 and 72/18 42/60 and 72/6 42/12 and 72/30 42/84 and 72/6 42/12 and 72/42