Compare 3/42 and 9/16
3/42 is smaller than 9/16
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 16 is 336
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 336 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 8 = 336,
3/42 = 3 × 8/42 × 8 = 24/336 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 21 = 336,
9/16 = 9 × 21/16 × 21 = 189/336 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 24/336 < 189/336 or 3/42 < 9/16
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