Compare 1/20 and 16/42
1/20 is smaller than 16/42
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 20 and 42 is 420
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 420 - For the 1st fraction, since 20 × 21 = 420,
1/20 = 1 × 21/20 × 21 = 21/420 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 10 = 420,
16/42 = 16 × 10/42 × 10 = 160/420 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 21/420 < 160/420 or 1/20 < 16/42
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 2/20 and 16/42 1/20 and 32/42 1/40 and 16/42 1/20 and 16/84 3/20 and 16/42 1/20 and 48/42 1/60 and 16/42 5/20 and 16/42 1/20 and 80/42 7/20 and 16/42