Compare 5/42 and 12/60
5/42 is smaller than 12/60
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 60 is 420
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 420 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 10 = 420,
5/42 = 5 × 10/42 × 10 = 50/420 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 60 × 7 = 420,
12/60 = 12 × 7/60 × 7 = 84/420 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 50/420 < 84/420 or 5/42 < 12/60
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