Compare 18/42 and 50/81
18/42 is smaller than 50/81
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 81 is 1134
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 1134 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 27 = 1134,
18/42 = 18 × 27/42 × 27 = 486/1134 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 81 × 14 = 1134,
50/81 = 50 × 14/81 × 14 = 700/1134 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 486/1134 < 700/1134 or 18/42 < 50/81
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 36/42 and 50/81 18/84 and 50/81 54/42 and 50/81 90/42 and 50/81