Compare 42/60 and 16/18
42/60 is smaller than 16/18
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 60 and 18 is 180
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 180 - For the 1st fraction, since 60 × 3 = 180,
42/60 = 42 × 3/60 × 3 = 126/180 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 18 × 10 = 180,
16/18 = 16 × 10/18 × 10 = 160/180 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 126/180 < 160/180 or 42/60 < 16/18
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