Compare 42/30 and 18/5
1st number: 1 12/30, 2nd number: 3 3/5
42/30 is smaller than 18/5
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 30 and 5 is 30
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 30 - For the 1st fraction, since 30 × 1 = 30,
42/30 = 42 × 1/30 × 1 = 42/30 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 5 × 6 = 30,
18/5 = 18 × 6/5 × 6 = 108/30 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 42/30 < 108/30 or 42/30 < 18/5
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/30 and 18/5 42/30 and 36/5 42/60 and 18/5 42/30 and 18/10 42/30 and 54/5 42/90 and 18/5 42/30 and 18/15 42/30 and 90/5 42/30 and 18/25 42/30 and 18/35