Compare 2/5 and 84/42
1st number: 2/5, 2nd number: 2 0/42
2/5 is smaller than 84/42
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 5 and 42 is 210
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 210 - For the 1st fraction, since 5 × 42 = 210,
2/5 = 2 × 42/5 × 42 = 84/210 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 5 = 210,
84/42 = 84 × 5/42 × 5 = 420/210 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 84/210 < 420/210 or 2/5 < 84/42
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 4/5 and 84/42 2/10 and 84/42 6/5 and 84/42 2/15 and 84/42 10/5 and 84/42 2/25 and 84/42 14/5 and 84/42 2/35 and 84/42