Compare 1/2 and 42/80
1/2 is smaller than 42/80
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 2 and 80 is 80
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 80 - For the 1st fraction, since 2 × 40 = 80,
1/2 = 1 × 40/2 × 40 = 40/80 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 80 × 1 = 80,
42/80 = 42 × 1/80 × 1 = 42/80 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 40/80 < 42/80 or 1/2 < 42/80
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