Compare 5/42 and 2/5
5/42 is smaller than 2/5
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 5 is 210
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 210 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 5 = 210,
5/42 = 5 × 5/42 × 5 = 25/210 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 5 × 42 = 210,
2/5 = 2 × 42/5 × 42 = 84/210 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 25/210 < 84/210 or 5/42 < 2/5
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