Compare 7/42 and 21/54
7/42 is smaller than 21/54
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 54 is 378
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 378 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 9 = 378,
7/42 = 7 × 9/42 × 9 = 63/378 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 54 × 7 = 378,
21/54 = 21 × 7/54 × 7 = 147/378 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 63/378 < 147/378 or 7/42 < 21/54
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