Compare 35/42 and 20/21
35/42 is smaller than 20/21
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 21 is 42
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 42 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 1 = 42,
35/42 = 35 × 1/42 × 1 = 35/42 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 21 × 2 = 42,
20/21 = 20 × 2/21 × 2 = 40/42 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 35/42 < 40/42 or 35/42 < 20/21
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 70/42 and 20/21 35/42 and 40/21 35/84 and 20/21 35/42 and 20/42 35/42 and 60/21 35/42 and 20/63