Compare 3/20 and 42/18
1st number: 3/20, 2nd number: 2 6/18
3/20 is smaller than 42/18
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 20 and 18 is 180
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 180 - For the 1st fraction, since 20 × 9 = 180,
3/20 = 3 × 9/20 × 9 = 27/180 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 18 × 10 = 180,
42/18 = 42 × 10/18 × 10 = 420/180 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 27/180 < 420/180 or 3/20 < 42/18
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 6/20 and 42/18 3/20 and 84/18 3/40 and 42/18 3/20 and 42/36 9/20 and 42/18 3/60 and 42/18 3/20 and 42/54 15/20 and 42/18 3/20 and 42/90 21/20 and 42/18