Compare 6/12 and 32/42
6/12 is smaller than 32/42
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 42 is 84
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 84 - For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 7 = 84,
6/12 = 6 × 7/12 × 7 = 42/84 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 2 = 84,
32/42 = 32 × 2/42 × 2 = 64/84 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 42/84 < 64/84 or 6/12 < 32/42
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 6/12 and 64/42 6/24 and 32/42 6/12 and 32/84 18/12 and 32/42 6/12 and 96/42 6/36 and 32/42 30/12 and 32/42 6/60 and 32/42 42/12 and 32/42 6/84 and 32/42