Compare 1/48 and 1/20
1/48 is smaller than 1/20
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 48 and 20 is 240
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 240 - For the 1st fraction, since 48 × 5 = 240,
1/48 = 1 × 5/48 × 5 = 5/240 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 20 × 12 = 240,
1/20 = 1 × 12/20 × 12 = 12/240 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 5/240 < 12/240 or 1/48 < 1/20
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 2/48 and 1/20 1/48 and 2/20 1/96 and 1/20 1/48 and 1/40 3/48 and 1/20 1/48 and 3/20 1/48 and 1/60 5/48 and 1/20 1/48 and 5/20 7/48 and 1/20 1/48 and 7/20