Compare 40/18 and 98/42
1st number: 2 4/18, 2nd number: 2 14/42
40/18 is smaller than 98/42
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 18 and 42 is 126
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 126 - For the 1st fraction, since 18 × 7 = 126,
40/18 = 40 × 7/18 × 7 = 280/126 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 3 = 126,
98/42 = 98 × 3/42 × 3 = 294/126 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 280/126 < 294/126 or 40/18 < 98/42
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 80/18 and 98/42 40/36 and 98/42 40/18 and 98/84 40/54 and 98/42 40/90 and 98/42