Compare 5/20 and 42/3
1st number: 5/20, 2nd number: 14 0/3
5/20 is smaller than 42/3
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 20 and 3 is 60
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 60 - For the 1st fraction, since 20 × 3 = 60,
5/20 = 5 × 3/20 × 3 = 15/60 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 3 × 20 = 60,
42/3 = 42 × 20/3 × 20 = 840/60 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 15/60 < 840/60 or 5/20 < 42/3
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 10/20 and 42/3 5/20 and 84/3 5/40 and 42/3 5/20 and 42/6 15/20 and 42/3 5/60 and 42/3 5/20 and 42/9 25/20 and 42/3 5/20 and 42/15 35/20 and 42/3 5/20 and 42/21