Compare 42/30 and 50/12
1st number: 1 12/30, 2nd number: 4 2/12
42/30 is smaller than 50/12
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 30 and 12 is 60
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 60 - For the 1st fraction, since 30 × 2 = 60,
42/30 = 42 × 2/30 × 2 = 84/60 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 12 × 5 = 60,
50/12 = 50 × 5/12 × 5 = 250/60 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 84/60 < 250/60 or 42/30 < 50/12
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/30 and 50/12 42/60 and 50/12 42/30 and 50/24 42/90 and 50/12 42/30 and 50/36 42/30 and 50/60 42/30 and 50/84