Compare 5/12 and 21/49
5/12 is smaller than 21/49
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 49 is 588
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 588 - For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 49 = 588,
5/12 = 5 × 49/12 × 49 = 245/588 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 49 × 12 = 588,
21/49 = 21 × 12/49 × 12 = 252/588 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 245/588 < 252/588 or 5/12 < 21/49
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