Compare 2/42 and 7/16
2/42 is smaller than 7/16
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 16 is 336
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 336 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 8 = 336,
2/42 = 2 × 8/42 × 8 = 16/336 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 21 = 336,
7/16 = 7 × 21/16 × 21 = 147/336 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 16/336 < 147/336 or 2/42 < 7/16
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 4/42 and 7/16 2/42 and 14/16 2/84 and 7/16 2/42 and 7/32 6/42 and 7/16 2/42 and 21/16 2/42 and 7/48 10/42 and 7/16 2/42 and 35/16 2/42 and 7/80 14/42 and 7/16 2/42 and 49/16