Compare 1/8 and 27/42
1/8 is smaller than 27/42
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 8 and 42 is 168
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 168 - For the 1st fraction, since 8 × 21 = 168,
1/8 = 1 × 21/8 × 21 = 21/168 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 4 = 168,
27/42 = 27 × 4/42 × 4 = 108/168 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 21/168 < 108/168 or 1/8 < 27/42
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