Compare 50/42 and 49/40
1st number: 1 8/42, 2nd number: 1 9/40
50/42 is smaller than 49/40
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,
50/42 = 50 × 20/42 × 20 = 1000/840 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 21 = 840,
49/40 = 49 × 21/40 × 21 = 1029/840 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 1000/840 < 1029/840 or 50/42 < 49/40
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 50/42 and 98/40 50/84 and 49/40 50/42 and 49/80