Compare 36/15 and 42/9
1st number: 2 6/15, 2nd number: 4 6/9
36/15 is smaller than 42/9
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 15 and 9 is 45
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 45 - For the 1st fraction, since 15 × 3 = 45,
36/15 = 36 × 3/15 × 3 = 108/45 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 9 × 5 = 45,
42/9 = 42 × 5/9 × 5 = 210/45 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 108/45 < 210/45 or 36/15 < 42/9
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