Compare 16/42 and 21/32
16/42 is smaller than 21/32
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 32 is 672
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 672 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 16 = 672,
16/42 = 16 × 16/42 × 16 = 256/672 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 32 × 21 = 672,
21/32 = 21 × 21/32 × 21 = 441/672 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 256/672 < 441/672 or 16/42 < 21/32
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