Compare 42/20 and 60/12
1st number: 2 2/20, 2nd number: 5 0/12
42/20 is smaller than 60/12
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 20 and 12 is 60
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 60 - For the 1st fraction, since 20 × 3 = 60,
42/20 = 42 × 3/20 × 3 = 126/60 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 12 × 5 = 60,
60/12 = 60 × 5/12 × 5 = 300/60 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 126/60 < 300/60 or 42/20 < 60/12
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 60/12 42/40 and 60/12 42/20 and 60/24 42/60 and 60/12 42/20 and 60/36 42/20 and 60/84