Compare 42/18 and 50/3
1st number: 2 6/18, 2nd number: 16 2/3
42/18 is smaller than 50/3
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 18 and 3 is 18
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 18 - For the 1st fraction, since 18 × 1 = 18,
42/18 = 42 × 1/18 × 1 = 42/18 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 3 × 6 = 18,
50/3 = 50 × 6/3 × 6 = 300/18 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 42/18 < 300/18 or 42/18 < 50/3
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/18 and 50/3 42/36 and 50/3 42/18 and 50/6 42/54 and 50/3 42/18 and 50/9 42/90 and 50/3 42/18 and 50/15 42/18 and 50/21