Compare 32/42 and 3/16
32/42 is greater than 3/16
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,
32/42 = 32 × 8/42 × 8 = 256/336 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 21 = 336,
3/16 = 3 × 21/16 × 21 = 63/336 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 256/336 > 63/336 or 32/42 > 3/16
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 64/42 and 3/16 32/42 and 6/16 32/84 and 3/16 32/42 and 3/32 96/42 and 3/16 32/42 and 9/16 32/42 and 3/48 32/42 and 15/16 32/42 and 3/80 32/42 and 21/16