Compare 18/36 and 42/30
1st number: 18/36, 2nd number: 1 12/30
18/36 is smaller than 42/30
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 36 and 30 is 180
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 180 - For the 1st fraction, since 36 × 5 = 180,
18/36 = 18 × 5/36 × 5 = 90/180 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 30 × 6 = 180,
42/30 = 42 × 6/30 × 6 = 252/180 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 90/180 < 252/180 or 18/36 < 42/30
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