Compare 20/42 and 30/48
20/42 is smaller than 30/48
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 48 is 336
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 336 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 8 = 336,
20/42 = 20 × 8/42 × 8 = 160/336 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 48 × 7 = 336,
30/48 = 30 × 7/48 × 7 = 210/336 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 160/336 < 210/336 or 20/42 < 30/48
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