Compare 1/3 and 7/20
1/3 is smaller than 7/20
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 3 and 20 is 60
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 60 - For the 1st fraction, since 3 × 20 = 60,
1/3 = 1 × 20/3 × 20 = 20/60 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 20 × 3 = 60,
7/20 = 7 × 3/20 × 3 = 21/60 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 20/60 < 21/60 or 1/3 < 7/20
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