Compare 1/42 and 2/18
1/42 is smaller than 2/18
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 18 is 126
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 126 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 3 = 126,
1/42 = 1 × 3/42 × 3 = 3/126 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 18 × 7 = 126,
2/18 = 2 × 7/18 × 7 = 14/126 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 3/126 < 14/126 or 1/42 < 2/18
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