Compare 2/42 and 3/18
2/42 is smaller than 3/18
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 18 is 126
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 126 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 3 = 126,
2/42 = 2 × 3/42 × 3 = 6/126 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 18 × 7 = 126,
3/18 = 3 × 7/18 × 7 = 21/126 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 6/126 < 21/126 or 2/42 < 3/18
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 4/42 and 3/18 2/42 and 6/18 2/84 and 3/18 2/42 and 3/36 6/42 and 3/18 2/42 and 9/18 2/42 and 3/54 10/42 and 3/18 2/42 and 15/18 2/42 and 3/90 14/42 and 3/18 2/42 and 21/18