Compare 20/84 and 42/9
1st number: 20/84, 2nd number: 4 6/9
20/84 is smaller than 42/9
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 84 and 9 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 9 × 28 = 252,
42/9 = 42 × 28/9 × 28 = 1176/252 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 60/252 < 1176/252 or 20/84 < 42/9
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 42/9 20/84 and 84/9 20/84 and 42/18 60/84 and 42/9 20/84 and 42/27 20/84 and 42/45 20/84 and 42/63