Compare 1/40 and 9/42
1/40 is smaller than 9/42
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 42 is 840
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 840 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 21 = 840,
1/40 = 1 × 21/40 × 21 = 21/840 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 20 = 840,
9/42 = 9 × 20/42 × 20 = 180/840 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 21/840 < 180/840 or 1/40 < 9/42
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 2/40 and 9/42 1/40 and 18/42 1/80 and 9/42 1/40 and 9/84 3/40 and 9/42 1/40 and 27/42 5/40 and 9/42 1/40 and 45/42 7/40 and 9/42 1/40 and 63/42