Compare 18/40 and 42/56
18/40 is smaller than 42/56
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 56 is 280
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 280 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 7 = 280,
18/40 = 18 × 7/40 × 7 = 126/280 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 56 × 5 = 280,
42/56 = 42 × 5/56 × 5 = 210/280 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 126/280 < 210/280 or 18/40 < 42/56
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