Compare 4/10 and 36/42
4/10 is smaller than 36/42
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 10 and 42 is 210
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 210 - For the 1st fraction, since 10 × 21 = 210,
4/10 = 4 × 21/10 × 21 = 84/210 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 5 = 210,
36/42 = 36 × 5/42 × 5 = 180/210 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 84/210 < 180/210 or 4/10 < 36/42
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