Compare 40/42 and 50/45
1st number: 40/42, 2nd number: 1 5/45
40/42 is smaller than 50/45
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 45 is 630
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 630 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 15 = 630,
40/42 = 40 × 15/42 × 15 = 600/630 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 45 × 14 = 630,
50/45 = 50 × 14/45 × 14 = 700/630 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 600/630 < 700/630 or 40/42 < 50/45
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 80/42 and 50/45 40/84 and 50/45 40/42 and 50/90