Compare 20/84 and 16/36
20/84 is smaller than 16/36
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 84 and 36 is 252
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 252 - For the 1st fraction, since 84 × 3 = 252,
20/84 = 20 × 3/84 × 3 = 60/252 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 7 = 252,
16/36 = 16 × 7/36 × 7 = 112/252 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 60/252 < 112/252 or 20/84 < 16/36
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 40/84 and 16/36 20/84 and 32/36 20/84 and 16/72 60/84 and 16/36 20/84 and 48/36 20/84 and 80/36