Compare 16/42 and 20/40
16/42 is smaller than 20/40
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 40 is 840
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 840 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 20 = 840,
16/42 = 16 × 20/42 × 20 = 320/840 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 21 = 840,
20/40 = 20 × 21/40 × 21 = 420/840 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 320/840 < 420/840 or 16/42 < 20/40
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 32/42 and 20/40 16/84 and 20/40 16/42 and 20/80 48/42 and 20/40 16/42 and 60/40 80/42 and 20/40