Compare 42/21 and 20/72
1st number: 2 0/21, 2nd number: 20/72
42/21 is greater than 20/72
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 21 and 72 is 504
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 504 - For the 1st fraction, since 21 × 24 = 504,
42/21 = 42 × 24/21 × 24 = 1008/504 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 7 = 504,
20/72 = 20 × 7/72 × 7 = 140/504 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 1008/504 > 140/504 or 42/21 > 20/72
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/21 and 20/72 42/21 and 40/72 42/21 and 60/72 42/63 and 20/72