Compare 42/40 and 14/12
1st number: 1 2/40, 2nd number: 1 2/12
42/40 is smaller than 14/12
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 12 is 120
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 120 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 3 = 120,
42/40 = 42 × 3/40 × 3 = 126/120 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 12 × 10 = 120,
14/12 = 14 × 10/12 × 10 = 140/120 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 126/120 < 140/120 or 42/40 < 14/12
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/40 and 14/12 42/40 and 28/12 42/80 and 14/12 42/40 and 14/24 42/40 and 42/12 42/40 and 14/36 42/40 and 70/12 42/40 and 14/60 42/40 and 98/12 42/40 and 14/84