Compare 1/72 and 20/42
1/72 is smaller than 20/42
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 42 is 504
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 504 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 7 = 504,
1/72 = 1 × 7/72 × 7 = 7/504 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 12 = 504,
20/42 = 20 × 12/42 × 12 = 240/504 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 7/504 < 240/504 or 1/72 < 20/42
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 2/72 and 20/42 1/72 and 40/42 1/72 and 20/84 3/72 and 20/42 1/72 and 60/42 5/72 and 20/42 7/72 and 20/42