Compare 1/42 and 7/36
1/42 is smaller than 7/36
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,
7/36 = 7 × 7/36 × 7 = 49/252 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 6/252 < 49/252 or 1/42 < 7/36
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 7/36 1/42 and 14/36 1/84 and 7/36 1/42 and 7/72 3/42 and 7/36 1/42 and 21/36 5/42 and 7/36 1/42 and 35/36 7/42 and 7/36 1/42 and 49/36