Compare 5/42 and 1/6
5/42 is smaller than 1/6
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 6 is 42
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 42 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 1 = 42,
5/42 = 5 × 1/42 × 1 = 5/42 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 6 × 7 = 42,
1/6 = 1 × 7/6 × 7 = 7/42 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 5/42 < 7/42 or 5/42 < 1/6
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 10/42 and 1/6 5/42 and 2/6 5/84 and 1/6 5/42 and 1/12 15/42 and 1/6 5/42 and 3/6 5/42 and 1/18 25/42 and 1/6 5/42 and 5/6 5/42 and 1/30 35/42 and 1/6 5/42 and 7/6 5/42 and 1/42