Compare 2/10 and 42/32
1st number: 2/10, 2nd number: 1 10/32
2/10 is smaller than 42/32
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 10 and 32 is 160
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 160 - For the 1st fraction, since 10 × 16 = 160,
2/10 = 2 × 16/10 × 16 = 32/160 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 32 × 5 = 160,
42/32 = 42 × 5/32 × 5 = 210/160 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 32/160 < 210/160 or 2/10 < 42/32
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