Compare 5/42 and 7/18
5/42 is smaller than 7/18
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 18 is 126
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 126 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 3 = 126,
5/42 = 5 × 3/42 × 3 = 15/126 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 18 × 7 = 126,
7/18 = 7 × 7/18 × 7 = 49/126 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 15/126 < 49/126 or 5/42 < 7/18
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