Compare 18/42 and 20/32
18/42 is smaller than 20/32
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 32 is 672
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 672 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 16 = 672,
18/42 = 18 × 16/42 × 16 = 288/672 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 32 × 21 = 672,
20/32 = 20 × 21/32 × 21 = 420/672 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 288/672 < 420/672 or 18/42 < 20/32
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 36/42 and 20/32 18/42 and 40/32 18/84 and 20/32 18/42 and 20/64 54/42 and 20/32 18/42 and 60/32 18/42 and 20/96 90/42 and 20/32