Compare 1/42 and 4/36
1/42 is smaller than 4/36
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 36 is 252
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 252 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 6 = 252,
1/42 = 1 × 6/42 × 6 = 6/252 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 7 = 252,
4/36 = 4 × 7/36 × 7 = 28/252 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 6/252 < 28/252 or 1/42 < 4/36
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 2/42 and 4/36 1/42 and 8/36 1/84 and 4/36 1/42 and 4/72 3/42 and 4/36 1/42 and 12/36 5/42 and 4/36 1/42 and 20/36 7/42 and 4/36 1/42 and 28/36