Compare 3/27 and 20/42
3/27 is smaller than 20/42
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 27 and 42 is 378
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 378 - For the 1st fraction, since 27 × 14 = 378,
3/27 = 3 × 14/27 × 14 = 42/378 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 9 = 378,
20/42 = 20 × 9/42 × 9 = 180/378 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 42/378 < 180/378 or 3/27 < 20/42
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