Compare 5/32 and 42/81
5/32 is smaller than 42/81
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 32 and 81 is 2592
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 2592 - For the 1st fraction, since 32 × 81 = 2592,
5/32 = 5 × 81/32 × 81 = 405/2592 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 81 × 32 = 2592,
42/81 = 42 × 32/81 × 32 = 1344/2592 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 405/2592 < 1344/2592 or 5/32 < 42/81
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 10/32 and 42/81 5/32 and 84/81 5/64 and 42/81 15/32 and 42/81 5/96 and 42/81 25/32 and 42/81 35/32 and 42/81