Compare 36/32 and 42/36
1st number: 1 4/32, 2nd number: 1 6/36
36/32 is smaller than 42/36
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 32 and 36 is 288
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 288 - For the 1st fraction, since 32 × 9 = 288,
36/32 = 36 × 9/32 × 9 = 324/288 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 8 = 288,
42/36 = 42 × 8/36 × 8 = 336/288 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 324/288 < 336/288 or 36/32 < 42/36
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 72/32 and 42/36 36/32 and 84/36 36/64 and 42/36 36/32 and 42/72 36/96 and 42/36