Compare 36/21 and 18/8
1st number: 1 15/21, 2nd number: 2 2/8
36/21 is smaller than 18/8
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 21 and 8 is 168
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 168 - For the 1st fraction, since 21 × 8 = 168,
36/21 = 36 × 8/21 × 8 = 288/168 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 8 × 21 = 168,
18/8 = 18 × 21/8 × 21 = 378/168 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 288/168 < 378/168 or 36/21 < 18/8
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