Compare 21/84 and 42/54
21/84 is smaller than 42/54
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 84 and 54 is 756
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 756 - For the 1st fraction, since 84 × 9 = 756,
21/84 = 21 × 9/84 × 9 = 189/756 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 54 × 14 = 756,
42/54 = 42 × 14/54 × 14 = 588/756 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 189/756 < 588/756 or 21/84 < 42/54
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