Compare 42/84 and 27/8
1st number: 42/84, 2nd number: 3 3/8
42/84 is smaller than 27/8
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 84 and 8 is 168
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 168 - For the 1st fraction, since 84 × 2 = 168,
42/84 = 42 × 2/84 × 2 = 84/168 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 8 × 21 = 168,
27/8 = 27 × 21/8 × 21 = 567/168 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 84/168 < 567/168 or 42/84 < 27/8
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