Compare 1/5 and 40/42
1/5 is smaller than 40/42
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 5 and 42 is 210
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 210 - For the 1st fraction, since 5 × 42 = 210,
1/5 = 1 × 42/5 × 42 = 42/210 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 5 = 210,
40/42 = 40 × 5/42 × 5 = 200/210 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 42/210 < 200/210 or 1/5 < 40/42
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 2/5 and 40/42 1/5 and 80/42 1/10 and 40/42 1/5 and 40/84 3/5 and 40/42 1/15 and 40/42 1/25 and 40/42 7/5 and 40/42 1/35 and 40/42