Compare 12/36 and 42/5
1st number: 12/36, 2nd number: 8 2/5
12/36 is smaller than 42/5
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 36 and 5 is 180
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 180 - For the 1st fraction, since 36 × 5 = 180,
12/36 = 12 × 5/36 × 5 = 60/180 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 5 × 36 = 180,
42/5 = 42 × 36/5 × 36 = 1512/180 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 60/180 < 1512/180 or 12/36 < 42/5
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