Compare 20/36 and 42/48
20/36 is smaller than 42/48
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 36 and 48 is 144
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 144 - For the 1st fraction, since 36 × 4 = 144,
20/36 = 20 × 4/36 × 4 = 80/144 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 48 × 3 = 144,
42/48 = 42 × 3/48 × 3 = 126/144 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 80/144 < 126/144 or 20/36 < 42/48
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