Compare 9/32 and 42/20
1st number: 9/32, 2nd number: 2 2/20
9/32 is smaller than 42/20
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 32 and 20 is 160
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 160 - For the 1st fraction, since 32 × 5 = 160,
9/32 = 9 × 5/32 × 5 = 45/160 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 20 × 8 = 160,
42/20 = 42 × 8/20 × 8 = 336/160 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 45/160 < 336/160 or 9/32 < 42/20
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 18/32 and 42/20 9/32 and 84/20 9/64 and 42/20 9/32 and 42/40 27/32 and 42/20 9/96 and 42/20 9/32 and 42/60 45/32 and 42/20 63/32 and 42/20