Compare 16/40 and 42/14
1st number: 16/40, 2nd number: 3 0/14
16/40 is smaller than 42/14
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 14 is 280
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 280 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 7 = 280,
16/40 = 16 × 7/40 × 7 = 112/280 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 14 × 20 = 280,
42/14 = 42 × 20/14 × 20 = 840/280 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 112/280 < 840/280 or 16/40 < 42/14
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