Compare 7/42 and 3/8
742 is smaller than 38
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 8 is 168
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 168 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 4 = 168,
742 = 7 × 442 × 4 = 28168 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 8 × 21 = 168,
38 = 3 × 218 × 21 = 63168 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 28168 < 63168 or 742 < 38
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