Compare 12/42 and 18/20
12/42 is smaller than 18/20
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,
12/42 = 12 × 10/42 × 10 = 120/420 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 20 × 21 = 420,
18/20 = 18 × 21/20 × 21 = 378/420 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 120/420 < 378/420 or 12/42 < 18/20
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 24/42 and 18/20 12/42 and 36/20 12/84 and 18/20 12/42 and 18/40 36/42 and 18/20 12/42 and 54/20 12/42 and 18/60 60/42 and 18/20 12/42 and 90/20 84/42 and 18/20