Compare 18/42 and 42/45
18/42 is smaller than 42/45
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 45 is 630
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 630 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 15 = 630,
18/42 = 18 × 15/42 × 15 = 270/630 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 45 × 14 = 630,
42/45 = 42 × 14/45 × 14 = 588/630 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 270/630 < 588/630 or 18/42 < 42/45
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