Compare 5/42 and 16/20
5/42 is smaller than 16/20
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 20 is 420
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 420 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 10 = 420,
5/42 = 5 × 10/42 × 10 = 50/420 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 20 × 21 = 420,
16/20 = 16 × 21/20 × 21 = 336/420 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 50/420 < 336/420 or 5/42 < 16/20
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