Compare 1/8 and 20/42
1/8 is smaller than 20/42
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 8 and 42 is 168
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 168 - For the 1st fraction, since 8 × 21 = 168,
1/8 = 1 × 21/8 × 21 = 21/168 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 4 = 168,
20/42 = 20 × 4/42 × 4 = 80/168 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 21/168 < 80/168 or 1/8 < 20/42
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 2/8 and 20/42 1/8 and 40/42 1/16 and 20/42 1/8 and 20/84 3/8 and 20/42 1/8 and 60/42 1/24 and 20/42 5/8 and 20/42 1/40 and 20/42 7/8 and 20/42 1/56 and 20/42