Compare 45/20 and 42/18
1st number: 2 5/20, 2nd number: 2 6/18
45/20 is smaller than 42/18
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,
45/20 = 45 × 9/20 × 9 = 405/180 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 18 × 10 = 180,
42/18 = 42 × 10/18 × 10 = 420/180 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 405/180 < 420/180 or 45/20 < 42/18
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