Compare 2/36 and 12/48
2/36 is smaller than 12/48
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 36 and 48 is 144
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 144 - For the 1st fraction, since 36 × 4 = 144,
2/36 = 2 × 4/36 × 4 = 8/144 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 48 × 3 = 144,
12/48 = 12 × 3/48 × 3 = 36/144 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 8/144 < 36/144 or 2/36 < 12/48
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 4/36 and 12/48 2/36 and 24/48 2/72 and 12/48 2/36 and 12/96 6/36 and 12/48 2/36 and 36/48 10/36 and 12/48 2/36 and 60/48 14/36 and 12/48 2/36 and 84/48