Compare 7/42 and 8/20
7/42 is smaller than 8/20
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 20 is 420
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 420 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 10 = 420,
7/42 = 7 × 10/42 × 10 = 70/420 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 20 × 21 = 420,
8/20 = 8 × 21/20 × 21 = 168/420 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 70/420 < 168/420 or 7/42 < 8/20
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 14/42 and 8/20 7/42 and 16/20 7/84 and 8/20 7/42 and 8/40 21/42 and 8/20 7/42 and 24/20 7/42 and 8/60 35/42 and 8/20 7/42 and 40/20 49/42 and 8/20 7/42 and 56/20