Compare 12/30 and 42/36
1st number: 12/30, 2nd number: 1 6/36
12/30 is smaller than 42/36
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 30 and 36 is 180
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 180 - For the 1st fraction, since 30 × 6 = 180,
12/30 = 12 × 6/30 × 6 = 72/180 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 5 = 180,
42/36 = 42 × 5/36 × 5 = 210/180 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 72/180 < 210/180 or 12/30 < 42/36
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