Compare 9/42 and 5/12
9/42 is smaller than 5/12
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 12 is 84
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 84 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 2 = 84,
9/42 = 9 × 2/42 × 2 = 18/84 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 12 × 7 = 84,
5/12 = 5 × 7/12 × 7 = 35/84 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 18/84 < 35/84 or 9/42 < 5/12
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