Compare 1/7 and 42/20
1st number: 1/7, 2nd number: 2 2/20
1/7 is smaller than 42/20
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 7 and 20 is 140
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 140 - For the 1st fraction, since 7 × 20 = 140,
1/7 = 1 × 20/7 × 20 = 20/140 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 20 × 7 = 140,
42/20 = 42 × 7/20 × 7 = 294/140 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 20/140 < 294/140 or 1/7 < 42/20
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 2/7 and 42/20 1/7 and 84/20 1/14 and 42/20 1/7 and 42/40 3/7 and 42/20 1/21 and 42/20 1/7 and 42/60 5/7 and 42/20 1/35 and 42/20 1/49 and 42/20