Compare 1/2 and 42/70
1/2 is smaller than 42/70
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 2 and 70 is 70
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 70 - For the 1st fraction, since 2 × 35 = 70,
1/2 = 1 × 35/2 × 35 = 35/70 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 70 × 1 = 70,
42/70 = 42 × 1/70 × 1 = 42/70 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 35/70 < 42/70 or 1/2 < 42/70
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