Compare 36/72 and 42/10
1st number: 36/72, 2nd number: 4 2/10
36/72 is smaller than 42/10
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 10 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
36/72 = 36 × 5/72 × 5 = 180/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 10 × 36 = 360,
42/10 = 42 × 36/10 × 36 = 1512/360 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 180/360 < 1512/360 or 36/72 < 42/10
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