Compare 7/20 and 42/50
7/20 is smaller than 42/50
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 20 and 50 is 100
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 100 - For the 1st fraction, since 20 × 5 = 100,
7/20 = 7 × 5/20 × 5 = 35/100 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 50 × 2 = 100,
42/50 = 42 × 2/50 × 2 = 84/100 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 35/100 < 84/100 or 7/20 < 42/50
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 14/20 and 42/50 7/20 and 84/50 7/40 and 42/50 21/20 and 42/50 7/60 and 42/50 35/20 and 42/50 49/20 and 42/50