Compare 2/9 and 36/42
2/9 is smaller than 36/42
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 9 and 42 is 126
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 126 - For the 1st fraction, since 9 × 14 = 126,
2/9 = 2 × 14/9 × 14 = 28/126 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 3 = 126,
36/42 = 36 × 3/42 × 3 = 108/126 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 28/126 < 108/126 or 2/9 < 36/42
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 4/9 and 36/42 2/9 and 72/42 2/18 and 36/42 2/9 and 36/84 6/9 and 36/42 2/27 and 36/42 10/9 and 36/42 2/45 and 36/42 14/9 and 36/42 2/63 and 36/42