Compare 2/5 and 42/45
2/5 is smaller than 42/45
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 5 and 45 is 45
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 45 - For the 1st fraction, since 5 × 9 = 45,
2/5 = 2 × 9/5 × 9 = 18/45 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 45 × 1 = 45,
42/45 = 42 × 1/45 × 1 = 42/45 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 18/45 < 42/45 or 2/5 < 42/45
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