Compare 20/42 and 12/18
20/42 is smaller than 12/18
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 18 is 126
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 126 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 3 = 126,
20/42 = 20 × 3/42 × 3 = 60/126 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 18 × 7 = 126,
12/18 = 12 × 7/18 × 7 = 84/126 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 60/126 < 84/126 or 20/42 < 12/18
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