Compare 42/20 and 18/36
1st number: 2 2/20, 2nd number: 18/36
42/20 is greater than 18/36
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 20 and 36 is 180
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 180 - For the 1st fraction, since 20 × 9 = 180,
42/20 = 42 × 9/20 × 9 = 378/180 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 5 = 180,
18/36 = 18 × 5/36 × 5 = 90/180 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 378/180 > 90/180 or 42/20 > 18/36
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/20 and 18/36 42/40 and 18/36 42/20 and 18/72 42/20 and 54/36 42/60 and 18/36 42/20 and 90/36