Compare 3/81 and 20/42
3/81 is smaller than 20/42
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 81 and 42 is 1134
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 1134 - For the 1st fraction, since 81 × 14 = 1134,
3/81 = 3 × 14/81 × 14 = 42/1134 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 27 = 1134,
20/42 = 20 × 27/42 × 27 = 540/1134 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 42/1134 < 540/1134 or 3/81 < 20/42
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