Compare 1/42 and 18/30
1/42 is smaller than 18/30
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 30 is 210
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 210 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 5 = 210,
1/42 = 1 × 5/42 × 5 = 5/210 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 30 × 7 = 210,
18/30 = 18 × 7/30 × 7 = 126/210 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 5/210 < 126/210 or 1/42 < 18/30
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 2/42 and 18/30 1/42 and 36/30 1/84 and 18/30 1/42 and 18/60 3/42 and 18/30 1/42 and 54/30 1/42 and 18/90 5/42 and 18/30 1/42 and 90/30 7/42 and 18/30