Compare 2/5 and 42/96
2/5 is smaller than 42/96
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 5 and 96 is 480
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 480 - For the 1st fraction, since 5 × 96 = 480,
2/5 = 2 × 96/5 × 96 = 192/480 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 96 × 5 = 480,
42/96 = 42 × 5/96 × 5 = 210/480 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 192/480 < 210/480 or 2/5 < 42/96
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