Compare 32/42 and 45/16
1st number: 32/42, 2nd number: 2 13/16
32/42 is smaller than 45/16
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,
45/16 = 45 × 21/16 × 21 = 945/336 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 256/336 < 945/336 or 32/42 < 45/16
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