Compare 42/2 and 45/12
1st number: 21 0/2, 2nd number: 3 9/12
42/2 is greater than 45/12
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 2 and 12 is 12
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 12 - For the 1st fraction, since 2 × 6 = 12,
42/2 = 42 × 6/2 × 6 = 252/12 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 12 × 1 = 12,
45/12 = 45 × 1/12 × 1 = 45/12 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 252/12 > 45/12 or 42/2 > 45/12
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/2 and 45/12 42/2 and 90/12 42/4 and 45/12 42/2 and 45/24 42/6 and 45/12 42/2 and 45/36 42/10 and 45/12 42/2 and 45/60 42/14 and 45/12 42/2 and 45/84