Compare 5/12 and 42/72
5/12 is smaller than 42/72
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 72 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 6 = 72,
5/12 = 5 × 6/12 × 6 = 30/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 1 = 72,
42/72 = 42 × 1/72 × 1 = 42/72 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 30/72 < 42/72 or 5/12 < 42/72
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