Compare 4/42 and 18/36
4/42 is smaller than 18/36
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 36 is 252
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 252 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 6 = 252,
4/42 = 4 × 6/42 × 6 = 24/252 - 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
- 24/252 < 126/252 or 4/42 < 18/36
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 8/42 and 18/36 4/84 and 18/36 4/42 and 18/72 12/42 and 18/36 4/42 and 54/36 20/42 and 18/36 4/42 and 90/36 28/42 and 18/36