Compare 36/42 and 4/40
36/42 is greater than 4/40
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 40 is 840
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 840 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 20 = 840,
36/42 = 36 × 20/42 × 20 = 720/840 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 21 = 840,
4/40 = 4 × 21/40 × 21 = 84/840 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 720/840 > 84/840 or 36/42 > 4/40
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 72/42 and 4/40 36/42 and 8/40 36/84 and 4/40 36/42 and 4/80 36/42 and 12/40 36/42 and 20/40 36/42 and 28/40