Compare 7/42 and 16/49
7/42 is smaller than 16/49
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 49 is 294
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 294 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 7 = 294,
7/42 = 7 × 7/42 × 7 = 49/294 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 49 × 6 = 294,
16/49 = 16 × 6/49 × 6 = 96/294 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 49/294 < 96/294 or 7/42 < 16/49
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 14/42 and 16/49 7/42 and 32/49 7/84 and 16/49 7/42 and 16/98 21/42 and 16/49 7/42 and 48/49 35/42 and 16/49 7/42 and 80/49 49/42 and 16/49