Compare 3/42 and 5/50
3/42 is smaller than 5/50
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 50 is 1050
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 1050 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 25 = 1050,
3/42 = 3 × 25/42 × 25 = 75/1050 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 50 × 21 = 1050,
5/50 = 5 × 21/50 × 21 = 105/1050 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 75/1050 < 105/1050 or 3/42 < 5/50
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