Compare 20/42 and 18/35
20/42 is smaller than 18/35
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 35 is 210
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 210 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 5 = 210,
20/42 = 20 × 5/42 × 5 = 100/210 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 35 × 6 = 210,
18/35 = 18 × 6/35 × 6 = 108/210 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 100/210 < 108/210 or 20/42 < 18/35
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 40/42 and 18/35 20/42 and 36/35 20/84 and 18/35 20/42 and 18/70 60/42 and 18/35 20/42 and 54/35 20/42 and 90/35