Compare 5/42 and 42/49
5/42 is smaller than 42/49
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 49 is 294
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 294 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 7 = 294,
5/42 = 5 × 7/42 × 7 = 35/294 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 49 × 6 = 294,
42/49 = 42 × 6/49 × 6 = 252/294 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 35/294 < 252/294 or 5/42 < 42/49
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