Compare 42/16 and 40/9
1st number: 2 10/16, 2nd number: 4 4/9
42/16 is smaller than 40/9
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 16 and 9 is 144
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 144 - For the 1st fraction, since 16 × 9 = 144,
42/16 = 42 × 9/16 × 9 = 378/144 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 9 × 16 = 144,
40/9 = 40 × 16/9 × 16 = 640/144 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 378/144 < 640/144 or 42/16 < 40/9
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/16 and 40/9 42/16 and 80/9 42/32 and 40/9 42/16 and 40/18 42/48 and 40/9 42/16 and 40/27 42/80 and 40/9 42/16 and 40/45 42/16 and 40/63