Compare 1/42 and 20/60
1/42 is smaller than 20/60
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 60 is 420
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 420 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 10 = 420,
1/42 = 1 × 10/42 × 10 = 10/420 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 60 × 7 = 420,
20/60 = 20 × 7/60 × 7 = 140/420 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 10/420 < 140/420 or 1/42 < 20/60
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