Compare 20/54 and 42/72
20/54 is smaller than 42/72
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 54 and 72 is 216
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 216 - For the 1st fraction, since 54 × 4 = 216,
20/54 = 20 × 4/54 × 4 = 80/216 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 3 = 216,
42/72 = 42 × 3/72 × 3 = 126/216 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 80/216 < 126/216 or 20/54 < 42/72
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