Compare 16/42 and 42/24
1st number: 16/42, 2nd number: 1 18/24
16/42 is smaller than 42/24
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 24 is 168
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 168 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 4 = 168,
16/42 = 16 × 4/42 × 4 = 64/168 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 24 × 7 = 168,
42/24 = 42 × 7/24 × 7 = 294/168 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 64/168 < 294/168 or 16/42 < 42/24
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 32/42 and 42/24 16/42 and 84/24 16/84 and 42/24 16/42 and 42/48 48/42 and 42/24 16/42 and 42/72 80/42 and 42/24