Compare 3/42 and 20/3
1st number: 3/42, 2nd number: 6 2/3
3/42 is smaller than 20/3
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 3 is 42
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 42 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 1 = 42,
3/42 = 3 × 1/42 × 1 = 3/42 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 3 × 14 = 42,
20/3 = 20 × 14/3 × 14 = 280/42 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 3/42 < 280/42 or 3/42 < 20/3
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 6/42 and 20/3 3/42 and 40/3 3/84 and 20/3 3/42 and 20/6 9/42 and 20/3 3/42 and 60/3 3/42 and 20/9 15/42 and 20/3 3/42 and 20/15 21/42 and 20/3 3/42 and 20/21