Compare 2/42 and 5/9
242 is smaller than 59
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 9 is 126
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 126 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 3 = 126,
242 = 2 × 342 × 3 = 6126 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 9 × 14 = 126,
59 = 5 × 149 × 14 = 70126 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 6126 < 70126 or 242 < 59
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