Compare 42/40 and 16/7
1st number: 1 2/40, 2nd number: 2 2/7
42/40 is smaller than 16/7
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 7 is 280
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 280 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 7 = 280,
42/40 = 42 × 7/40 × 7 = 294/280 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 7 × 40 = 280,
16/7 = 16 × 40/7 × 40 = 640/280 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 294/280 < 640/280 or 42/40 < 16/7
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