Compare 4/36 and 21/42
4/36 is smaller than 21/42
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 36 and 42 is 252
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 252 - For the 1st fraction, since 36 × 7 = 252,
4/36 = 4 × 7/36 × 7 = 28/252 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 6 = 252,
21/42 = 21 × 6/42 × 6 = 126/252 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 28/252 < 126/252 or 4/36 < 21/42
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