Compare 1/42 and 5/50
1/42 is smaller than 5/50
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 50 is 1050
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 1050 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 25 = 1050,
1/42 = 1 × 25/42 × 25 = 25/1050 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 50 × 21 = 1050,
5/50 = 5 × 21/50 × 21 = 105/1050 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 25/1050 < 105/1050 or 1/42 < 5/50
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 5/50 1/42 and 10/50 1/84 and 5/50 3/42 and 5/50 1/42 and 15/50 5/42 and 5/50 1/42 and 25/50 7/42 and 5/50 1/42 and 35/50