Compare 21/42 and 25/32
21/42 is smaller than 25/32
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 32 is 672
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 672 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 16 = 672,
21/42 = 21 × 16/42 × 16 = 336/672 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 32 × 21 = 672,
25/32 = 25 × 21/32 × 21 = 525/672 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 336/672 < 525/672 or 21/42 < 25/32
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