Compare 10/20 and 42/56
10/20 is smaller than 42/56
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 20 and 56 is 280
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 280 - For the 1st fraction, since 20 × 14 = 280,
10/20 = 10 × 14/20 × 14 = 140/280 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 56 × 5 = 280,
42/56 = 42 × 5/56 × 5 = 210/280 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 140/280 < 210/280 or 10/20 < 42/56
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