Compare 12/5 and 42/36
1st number: 2 2/5, 2nd number: 1 6/36
12/5 is greater than 42/36
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 5 and 36 is 180
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 180 - For the 1st fraction, since 5 × 36 = 180,
12/5 = 12 × 36/5 × 36 = 432/180 - 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
- 432/180 > 210/180 or 12/5 > 42/36
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