Compare 5/42 and 21/96
5/42 is smaller than 21/96
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 96 is 672
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 672 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 16 = 672,
5/42 = 5 × 16/42 × 16 = 80/672 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 96 × 7 = 672,
21/96 = 21 × 7/96 × 7 = 147/672 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 80/672 < 147/672 or 5/42 < 21/96
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 10/42 and 21/96 5/42 and 42/96 5/84 and 21/96 15/42 and 21/96 5/42 and 63/96 25/42 and 21/96 35/42 and 21/96