Compare 1/42 and 21/81
1/42 is smaller than 21/81
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 81 is 1134
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 1134 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 27 = 1134,
1/42 = 1 × 27/42 × 27 = 27/1134 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 81 × 14 = 1134,
21/81 = 21 × 14/81 × 14 = 294/1134 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 27/1134 < 294/1134 or 1/42 < 21/81
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