Compare 2/4 and 32/42
2/4 is smaller than 32/42
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 4 and 42 is 84
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 84 - For the 1st fraction, since 4 × 21 = 84,
2/4 = 2 × 21/4 × 21 = 42/84 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 2 = 84,
32/42 = 32 × 2/42 × 2 = 64/84 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 42/84 < 64/84 or 2/4 < 32/42
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