Compare 42/60 and 18/40
42/60 is greater than 18/40
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 60 and 40 is 120
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 120 - For the 1st fraction, since 60 × 2 = 120,
42/60 = 42 × 2/60 × 2 = 84/120 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 3 = 120,
18/40 = 18 × 3/40 × 3 = 54/120 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 84/120 > 54/120 or 42/60 > 18/40
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/60 and 18/40 42/60 and 36/40 42/60 and 18/80 42/60 and 54/40 42/60 and 90/40