Compare 20/80 and 20/42
20/80 is smaller than 20/42
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 80 and 42 is 1680
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 1680 - For the 1st fraction, since 80 × 21 = 1680,
20/80 = 20 × 21/80 × 21 = 420/1680 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 40 = 1680,
20/42 = 20 × 40/42 × 40 = 800/1680 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 420/1680 < 800/1680 or 20/80 < 20/42
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