Compare 2/42 and 20/4
1st number: 2/42, 2nd number: 5 0/4
2/42 is smaller than 20/4
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 4 is 84
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 84 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 2 = 84,
2/42 = 2 × 2/42 × 2 = 4/84 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 4 × 21 = 84,
20/4 = 20 × 21/4 × 21 = 420/84 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 4/84 < 420/84 or 2/42 < 20/4
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 4/42 and 20/4 2/42 and 40/4 2/84 and 20/4 2/42 and 20/8 6/42 and 20/4 2/42 and 60/4 2/42 and 20/12 10/42 and 20/4 14/42 and 20/4 2/42 and 20/28