Compare 42/20 and 56/18
1st number: 2 2/20, 2nd number: 3 2/18
42/20 is smaller than 56/18
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 20 and 18 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 18 × 10 = 180,
56/18 = 56 × 10/18 × 10 = 560/180 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 378/180 < 560/180 or 42/20 < 56/18
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