Compare 16/42 and 42/84
16/42 is smaller than 42/84
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 84 is 84
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 84 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 2 = 84,
16/42 = 16 × 2/42 × 2 = 32/84 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 84 × 1 = 84,
42/84 = 42 × 1/84 × 1 = 42/84 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 32/84 < 42/84 or 16/42 < 42/84
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