Compare 36/45 and 42/12
1st number: 36/45, 2nd number: 3 6/12
36/45 is smaller than 42/12
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 45 and 12 is 180
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 180 - For the 1st fraction, since 45 × 4 = 180,
36/45 = 36 × 4/45 × 4 = 144/180 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 12 × 15 = 180,
42/12 = 42 × 15/12 × 15 = 630/180 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 144/180 < 630/180 or 36/45 < 42/12
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