Compare 1/2 and 42/49
1/2 is smaller than 42/49
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 2 and 49 is 98
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 98 - For the 1st fraction, since 2 × 49 = 98,
1/2 = 1 × 49/2 × 49 = 49/98 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 49 × 2 = 98,
42/49 = 42 × 2/49 × 2 = 84/98 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 49/98 < 84/98 or 1/2 < 42/49
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