Compare 42/98 and 16/12
1st number: 42/98, 2nd number: 1 4/12
42/98 is smaller than 16/12
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 98 and 12 is 588
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 588 - For the 1st fraction, since 98 × 6 = 588,
42/98 = 42 × 6/98 × 6 = 252/588 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 12 × 49 = 588,
16/12 = 16 × 49/12 × 49 = 784/588 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 252/588 < 784/588 or 42/98 < 16/12
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