Compare 4/21 and 18/36
4/21 is smaller than 18/36
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 21 and 36 is 252
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 252 - For the 1st fraction, since 21 × 12 = 252,
4/21 = 4 × 12/21 × 12 = 48/252 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 7 = 252,
18/36 = 18 × 7/36 × 7 = 126/252 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 48/252 < 126/252 or 4/21 < 18/36
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