Compare 5/8 and 40/42
5/8 is smaller than 40/42
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 8 and 42 is 168
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 168 - For the 1st fraction, since 8 × 21 = 168,
5/8 = 5 × 21/8 × 21 = 105/168 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 4 = 168,
40/42 = 40 × 4/42 × 4 = 160/168 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 105/168 < 160/168 or 5/8 < 40/42
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