Compare 4/32 and 18/42
4/32 is smaller than 18/42
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 32 and 42 is 672
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 672 - For the 1st fraction, since 32 × 21 = 672,
4/32 = 4 × 21/32 × 21 = 84/672 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 16 = 672,
18/42 = 18 × 16/42 × 16 = 288/672 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 84/672 < 288/672 or 4/32 < 18/42
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