Compare 1/42 and 36/16
1st number: 1/42, 2nd number: 2 4/16
1/42 is smaller than 36/16
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 16 is 336
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 336 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 8 = 336,
1/42 = 1 × 8/42 × 8 = 8/336 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 21 = 336,
36/16 = 36 × 21/16 × 21 = 756/336 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 8/336 < 756/336 or 1/42 < 36/16
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