Compare 18/30 and 30/42
18/30 is smaller than 30/42
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 30 and 42 is 210
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 210 - For the 1st fraction, since 30 × 7 = 210,
18/30 = 18 × 7/30 × 7 = 126/210 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 5 = 210,
30/42 = 30 × 5/42 × 5 = 150/210 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 126/210 < 150/210 or 18/30 < 30/42
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 36/30 and 30/42 18/30 and 60/42 18/60 and 30/42 18/30 and 30/84 54/30 and 30/42 18/30 and 90/42 18/90 and 30/42 90/30 and 30/42