Compare 8/42 and 1/5
8/42 is smaller than 1/5
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 5 is 210
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 210 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 5 = 210,
8/42 = 8 × 5/42 × 5 = 40/210 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 5 × 42 = 210,
1/5 = 1 × 42/5 × 42 = 42/210 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 40/210 < 42/210 or 8/42 < 1/5
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 16/42 and 1/5 8/42 and 2/5 8/84 and 1/5 8/42 and 1/10 24/42 and 1/5 8/42 and 3/5 8/42 and 1/15 40/42 and 1/5 8/42 and 1/25 56/42 and 1/5 8/42 and 7/5 8/42 and 1/35