Compare 36/80 and 42/45
36/80 is smaller than 42/45
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 80 and 45 is 720
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 720 - For the 1st fraction, since 80 × 9 = 720,
36/80 = 36 × 9/80 × 9 = 324/720 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 45 × 16 = 720,
42/45 = 42 × 16/45 × 16 = 672/720 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 324/720 < 672/720 or 36/80 < 42/45
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