Compare 42/70 and 18/40
42/70 is greater than 18/40
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 70 and 40 is 280
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 280 - For the 1st fraction, since 70 × 4 = 280,
42/70 = 42 × 4/70 × 4 = 168/280 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 7 = 280,
18/40 = 18 × 7/40 × 7 = 126/280 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 168/280 > 126/280 or 42/70 > 18/40
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