Compare 18/42 and 12/20
18/42 is smaller than 12/20
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,
18/42 = 18 × 10/42 × 10 = 180/420 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 20 × 21 = 420,
12/20 = 12 × 21/20 × 21 = 252/420 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 180/420 < 252/420 or 18/42 < 12/20
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