Compare 5/21 and 5/20
5/21 is smaller than 5/20
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 21 and 20 is 420
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 420 - For the 1st fraction, since 21 × 20 = 420,
5/21 = 5 × 20/21 × 20 = 100/420 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 20 × 21 = 420,
5/20 = 5 × 21/20 × 21 = 105/420 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 100/420 < 105/420 or 5/21 < 5/20
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 10/21 and 5/20 5/21 and 10/20 5/42 and 5/20 5/21 and 5/40 15/21 and 5/20 5/21 and 15/20 5/63 and 5/20 5/21 and 5/60 25/21 and 5/20 5/21 and 25/20 35/21 and 5/20 5/21 and 35/20