Compare 3/20 and 32/42
3/20 is smaller than 32/42
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 20 and 42 is 420
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 420 - For the 1st fraction, since 20 × 21 = 420,
3/20 = 3 × 21/20 × 21 = 63/420 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 10 = 420,
32/42 = 32 × 10/42 × 10 = 320/420 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 63/420 < 320/420 or 3/20 < 32/42
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