Compare 5/12 and 21/36
5/12 is smaller than 21/36
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 36 is 36
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 36 - For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 3 = 36,
5/12 = 5 × 3/12 × 3 = 15/36 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 1 = 36,
21/36 = 21 × 1/36 × 1 = 21/36 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 15/36 < 21/36 or 5/12 < 21/36
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 10/12 and 21/36 5/12 and 42/36 5/24 and 21/36 5/12 and 21/72 15/12 and 21/36 5/12 and 63/36 5/36 and 21/36 25/12 and 21/36 5/60 and 21/36 35/12 and 21/36 5/84 and 21/36