Compare 21/45 and 48/36
1st number: 21/45, 2nd number: 1 12/36
21/45 is smaller than 48/36
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 45 and 36 is 180
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 180 - For the 1st fraction, since 45 × 4 = 180,
21/45 = 21 × 4/45 × 4 = 84/180 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 5 = 180,
48/36 = 48 × 5/36 × 5 = 240/180 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 84/180 < 240/180 or 21/45 < 48/36
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 42/45 and 48/36 21/45 and 96/36 21/90 and 48/36 21/45 and 48/72 63/45 and 48/36