Compare 16/42 and 1/5
16/42 is greater than 1/5
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 5 is 210
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 210 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 5 = 210,
16/42 = 16 × 5/42 × 5 = 80/210 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 5 × 42 = 210,
1/5 = 1 × 42/5 × 42 = 42/210 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 80/210 > 42/210 or 16/42 > 1/5
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