Compare 3/42 and 5/32
3/42 is smaller than 5/32
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,
3/42 = 3 × 16/42 × 16 = 48/672 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 32 × 21 = 672,
5/32 = 5 × 21/32 × 21 = 105/672 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 48/672 < 105/672 or 3/42 < 5/32
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