Compare 5/42 and 54/40
1st number: 5/42, 2nd number: 1 14/40
5/42 is smaller than 54/40
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 40 is 840
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 840 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 20 = 840,
5/42 = 5 × 20/42 × 20 = 100/840 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 21 = 840,
54/40 = 54 × 21/40 × 21 = 1134/840 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 100/840 < 1134/840 or 5/42 < 54/40
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 54/40 5/84 and 54/40 5/42 and 54/80 15/42 and 54/40 25/42 and 54/40 35/42 and 54/40