Compare 36/12 and 42/10
1st number: 3 0/12, 2nd number: 4 2/10
36/12 is smaller than 42/10
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 10 is 60
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 60 - For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 5 = 60,
36/12 = 36 × 5/12 × 5 = 180/60 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 10 × 6 = 60,
42/10 = 42 × 6/10 × 6 = 252/60 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 180/60 < 252/60 or 36/12 < 42/10
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