Compare 5/12 and 21/56
5/12 is greater than 21/56
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 56 is 168
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 168 - For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 14 = 168,
5/12 = 5 × 14/12 × 14 = 70/168 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 56 × 3 = 168,
21/56 = 21 × 3/56 × 3 = 63/168 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 70/168 > 63/168 or 5/12 > 21/56
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