Compare 1/5 and 3/42
1/5 is greater than 3/42
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 5 and 42 is 210
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 210 - For the 1st fraction, since 5 × 42 = 210,
1/5 = 1 × 42/5 × 42 = 42/210 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 5 = 210,
3/42 = 3 × 5/42 × 5 = 15/210 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 42/210 > 15/210 or 1/5 > 3/42
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