Compare 20/42 and 40/81
20/42 is smaller than 40/81
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 81 is 1134
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 1134 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 27 = 1134,
20/42 = 20 × 27/42 × 27 = 540/1134 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 81 × 14 = 1134,
40/81 = 40 × 14/81 × 14 = 560/1134 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 540/1134 < 560/1134 or 20/42 < 40/81
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