Compare 72/21 and 42/20
1st number: 3 9/21, 2nd number: 2 2/20
72/21 is greater than 42/20
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,
72/21 = 72 × 20/21 × 20 = 1440/420 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 20 × 21 = 420,
42/20 = 42 × 21/20 × 21 = 882/420 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 1440/420 > 882/420 or 72/21 > 42/20
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 72/21 and 84/20 72/42 and 42/20 72/21 and 42/40 72/63 and 42/20 72/21 and 42/60