Compare 3/42 and 5/7
3/42 is smaller than 5/7
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 7 is 42
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 42 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 1 = 42,
3/42 = 3 × 1/42 × 1 = 3/42 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 7 × 6 = 42,
5/7 = 5 × 6/7 × 6 = 30/42 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 3/42 < 30/42 or 3/42 < 5/7
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 6/42 and 5/7 3/42 and 10/7 3/84 and 5/7 3/42 and 5/14 9/42 and 5/7 3/42 and 15/7 3/42 and 5/21 15/42 and 5/7 3/42 and 25/7 3/42 and 5/35 21/42 and 5/7 3/42 and 35/7 3/42 and 5/49