Compare 36/42 and 40/7
1st number: 36/42, 2nd number: 5 5/7
36/42 is smaller than 40/7
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 7 is 42
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 42 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 1 = 42,
36/42 = 36 × 1/42 × 1 = 36/42 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 7 × 6 = 42,
40/7 = 40 × 6/7 × 6 = 240/42 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 36/42 < 240/42 or 36/42 < 40/7
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 40/7 36/42 and 80/7 36/84 and 40/7 36/42 and 40/14 36/42 and 40/21 36/42 and 40/35 36/42 and 40/49