Compare 21/42 and 20/35
21/42 is smaller than 20/35
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,
21/42 = 21 × 5/42 × 5 = 105/210 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 35 × 6 = 210,
20/35 = 20 × 6/35 × 6 = 120/210 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 105/210 < 120/210 or 21/42 < 20/35
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