Compare 1/21 and 42/50
1/21 is smaller than 42/50
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 21 and 50 is 1050
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 1050 - For the 1st fraction, since 21 × 50 = 1050,
1/21 = 1 × 50/21 × 50 = 50/1050 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 50 × 21 = 1050,
42/50 = 42 × 21/50 × 21 = 882/1050 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 50/1050 < 882/1050 or 1/21 < 42/50
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