Compare 2/36 and 4/42
2/36 is smaller than 4/42
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 36 and 42 is 252
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 252 - For the 1st fraction, since 36 × 7 = 252,
2/36 = 2 × 7/36 × 7 = 14/252 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 6 = 252,
4/42 = 4 × 6/42 × 6 = 24/252 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 14/252 < 24/252 or 2/36 < 4/42
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