Compare 2/8 and 36/42
2/8 is smaller than 36/42
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 8 and 42 is 168
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 168 - For the 1st fraction, since 8 × 21 = 168,
2/8 = 2 × 21/8 × 21 = 42/168 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 4 = 168,
36/42 = 36 × 4/42 × 4 = 144/168 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 42/168 < 144/168 or 2/8 < 36/42
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