Compare 7/42 and 21/35
7/42 is smaller than 21/35
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 35 is 210
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 210 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 5 = 210,
7/42 = 7 × 5/42 × 5 = 35/210 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 35 × 6 = 210,
21/35 = 21 × 6/35 × 6 = 126/210 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 35/210 < 126/210 or 7/42 < 21/35
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