Compare 21/42 and 18/27
21/42 is smaller than 18/27
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 27 is 378
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 378 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 9 = 378,
21/42 = 21 × 9/42 × 9 = 189/378 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 27 × 14 = 378,
18/27 = 18 × 14/27 × 14 = 252/378 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 189/378 < 252/378 or 21/42 < 18/27
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