Compare 2/18 and 42/50
2/18 is smaller than 42/50
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 18 and 50 is 450
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 450 - For the 1st fraction, since 18 × 25 = 450,
2/18 = 2 × 25/18 × 25 = 50/450 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 50 × 9 = 450,
42/50 = 42 × 9/50 × 9 = 378/450 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 50/450 < 378/450 or 2/18 < 42/50
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