Compare 7/42 and 16/21
7/42 is smaller than 16/21
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 21 is 42
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 42 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 1 = 42,
7/42 = 7 × 1/42 × 1 = 7/42 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 21 × 2 = 42,
16/21 = 16 × 2/21 × 2 = 32/42 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 7/42 < 32/42 or 7/42 < 16/21
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