Compare 20/30 and 42/36
1st number: 20/30, 2nd number: 1 6/36
20/30 is smaller than 42/36
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 30 and 36 is 180
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 180 - For the 1st fraction, since 30 × 6 = 180,
20/30 = 20 × 6/30 × 6 = 120/180 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 5 = 180,
42/36 = 42 × 5/36 × 5 = 210/180 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 120/180 < 210/180 or 20/30 < 42/36
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 40/30 and 42/36 20/30 and 84/36 20/60 and 42/36 20/30 and 42/72 60/30 and 42/36 20/90 and 42/36