Compare 3/36 and 42/20
1st number: 3/36, 2nd number: 2 2/20
3/36 is smaller than 42/20
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 36 and 20 is 180
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 180 - For the 1st fraction, since 36 × 5 = 180,
3/36 = 3 × 5/36 × 5 = 15/180 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 20 × 9 = 180,
42/20 = 42 × 9/20 × 9 = 378/180 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 15/180 < 378/180 or 3/36 < 42/20
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