Compare 42/40 and 5/3
1st number: 1 2/40, 2nd number: 1 2/3
42/40 is smaller than 5/3
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 3 is 120
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 120 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 3 = 120,
42/40 = 42 × 3/40 × 3 = 126/120 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 3 × 40 = 120,
5/3 = 5 × 40/3 × 40 = 200/120 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 126/120 < 200/120 or 42/40 < 5/3
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