Compare 3/8 and 5/42
3/8 is greater than 5/42
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,
5/42 = 5 × 4/42 × 4 = 20/168 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 63/168 > 20/168 or 3/8 > 5/42
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 6/8 and 5/42 3/8 and 10/42 3/16 and 5/42 3/8 and 5/84 9/8 and 5/42 3/8 and 15/42 3/24 and 5/42 15/8 and 5/42 3/8 and 25/42 3/40 and 5/42 21/8 and 5/42 3/8 and 35/42 3/56 and 5/42