Compare 5/42 and 4/21
5/42 is smaller than 4/21
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 21 is 42
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 42 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 1 = 42,
5/42 = 5 × 1/42 × 1 = 5/42 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 21 × 2 = 42,
4/21 = 4 × 2/21 × 2 = 8/42 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 5/42 < 8/42 or 5/42 < 4/21
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