Compare 20/28 and 40/42
20/28 is smaller than 40/42
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 28 and 42 is 84
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 84 - For the 1st fraction, since 28 × 3 = 84,
20/28 = 20 × 3/28 × 3 = 60/84 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 2 = 84,
40/42 = 40 × 2/42 × 2 = 80/84 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 60/84 < 80/84 or 20/28 < 40/42
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