Compare 2/42 and 42/16
1st number: 2/42, 2nd number: 2 10/16
2/42 is smaller than 42/16
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 16 is 336
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 336 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 8 = 336,
2/42 = 2 × 8/42 × 8 = 16/336 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 21 = 336,
42/16 = 42 × 21/16 × 21 = 882/336 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 16/336 < 882/336 or 2/42 < 42/16
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 42/16 2/42 and 84/16 2/84 and 42/16 2/42 and 42/32 6/42 and 42/16 2/42 and 42/48 10/42 and 42/16 2/42 and 42/80 14/42 and 42/16