Compare 2/5 and 42/60
2/5 is smaller than 42/60
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 5 and 60 is 60
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 60 - For the 1st fraction, since 5 × 12 = 60,
2/5 = 2 × 12/5 × 12 = 24/60 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 60 × 1 = 60,
42/60 = 42 × 1/60 × 1 = 42/60 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 24/60 < 42/60 or 2/5 < 42/60
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