Compare 2/20 and 42/32
1st number: 2/20, 2nd number: 1 10/32
2/20 is smaller than 42/32
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 20 and 32 is 160
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 160 - For the 1st fraction, since 20 × 8 = 160,
2/20 = 2 × 8/20 × 8 = 16/160 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 32 × 5 = 160,
42/32 = 42 × 5/32 × 5 = 210/160 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 16/160 < 210/160 or 2/20 < 42/32
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 4/20 and 42/32 2/20 and 84/32 2/40 and 42/32 2/20 and 42/64 6/20 and 42/32 2/60 and 42/32 2/20 and 42/96 10/20 and 42/32 14/20 and 42/32