Compare 18/36 and 42/8
1st number: 18/36, 2nd number: 5 2/8
18/36 is smaller than 42/8
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 36 and 8 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 36 × 2 = 72,
18/36 = 18 × 2/36 × 2 = 36/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 8 × 9 = 72,
42/8 = 42 × 9/8 × 9 = 378/72 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 36/72 < 378/72 or 18/36 < 42/8
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 18/36 and 84/8 18/72 and 42/8 18/36 and 42/16 54/36 and 42/8 18/36 and 42/24 90/36 and 42/8 18/36 and 42/40 18/36 and 42/56