Compare 3/9 and 20/42
3/9 is smaller than 20/42
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 9 and 42 is 126
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 126 - For the 1st fraction, since 9 × 14 = 126,
3/9 = 3 × 14/9 × 14 = 42/126 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 3 = 126,
20/42 = 20 × 3/42 × 3 = 60/126 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 42/126 < 60/126 or 3/9 < 20/42
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