Compare 2/27 and 42/21
1st number: 2/27, 2nd number: 2 0/21
2/27 is smaller than 42/21
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 27 and 21 is 189
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 189 - For the 1st fraction, since 27 × 7 = 189,
2/27 = 2 × 7/27 × 7 = 14/189 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 21 × 9 = 189,
42/21 = 42 × 9/21 × 9 = 378/189 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 14/189 < 378/189 or 2/27 < 42/21
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