Compare 45/42 and 20/21
1st number: 1 3/42, 2nd number: 20/21
45/42 is greater than 20/21
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 21 is 42
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 42 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 1 = 42,
45/42 = 45 × 1/42 × 1 = 45/42 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 21 × 2 = 42,
20/21 = 20 × 2/21 × 2 = 40/42 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 45/42 > 40/42 or 45/42 > 20/21
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 90/42 and 20/21 45/42 and 40/21 45/84 and 20/21 45/42 and 20/42 45/42 and 60/21 45/42 and 20/63