Compare 3/8 and 32/42
3/8 is smaller than 32/42
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 8 and 42 is 168
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 168 - For the 1st fraction, since 8 × 21 = 168,
3/8 = 3 × 21/8 × 21 = 63/168 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 4 = 168,
32/42 = 32 × 4/42 × 4 = 128/168 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 63/168 < 128/168 or 3/8 < 32/42
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