Compare 1/3 and 27/42
1/3 is smaller than 27/42
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 3 and 42 is 42
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 42 - For the 1st fraction, since 3 × 14 = 42,
1/3 = 1 × 14/3 × 14 = 14/42 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 1 = 42,
27/42 = 27 × 1/42 × 1 = 27/42 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 14/42 < 27/42 or 1/3 < 27/42
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 2/3 and 27/42 1/3 and 54/42 1/6 and 27/42 1/3 and 27/84 1/3 and 81/42 1/9 and 27/42 5/3 and 27/42 1/15 and 27/42 7/3 and 27/42 1/21 and 27/42