Compare 14/40 and 36/42
14/40 is smaller than 36/42
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 42 is 840
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 840 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 21 = 840,
14/40 = 14 × 21/40 × 21 = 294/840 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 20 = 840,
36/42 = 36 × 20/42 × 20 = 720/840 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 294/840 < 720/840 or 14/40 < 36/42
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