Compare 1/36 and 42/16
1st number: 1/36, 2nd number: 2 10/16
1/36 is smaller than 42/16
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 36 and 16 is 144
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 144 - For the 1st fraction, since 36 × 4 = 144,
1/36 = 1 × 4/36 × 4 = 4/144 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 9 = 144,
42/16 = 42 × 9/16 × 9 = 378/144 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 4/144 < 378/144 or 1/36 < 42/16
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 2/36 and 42/16 1/36 and 84/16 1/72 and 42/16 1/36 and 42/32 3/36 and 42/16 1/36 and 42/48 5/36 and 42/16 1/36 and 42/80 7/36 and 42/16