Compare 42/18 and 40/7
1st number: 2 6/18, 2nd number: 5 5/7
42/18 is smaller than 40/7
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 18 and 7 is 126
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 126 - For the 1st fraction, since 18 × 7 = 126,
42/18 = 42 × 7/18 × 7 = 294/126 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 7 × 18 = 126,
40/7 = 40 × 18/7 × 18 = 720/126 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 294/126 < 720/126 or 42/18 < 40/7
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/18 and 40/7 42/18 and 80/7 42/36 and 40/7 42/18 and 40/14 42/54 and 40/7 42/18 and 40/21 42/90 and 40/7 42/18 and 40/35 42/18 and 40/49