Compare 20/45 and 42/72
20/45 is smaller than 42/72
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 45 and 72 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 45 × 8 = 360,
20/45 = 20 × 8/45 × 8 = 160/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
42/72 = 42 × 5/72 × 5 = 210/360 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 160/360 < 210/360 or 20/45 < 42/72
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