Compare 40/36 and 8/42
1st number: 1 4/36, 2nd number: 8/42
40/36 is greater than 8/42
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,
40/36 = 40 × 7/36 × 7 = 280/252 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 6 = 252,
8/42 = 8 × 6/42 × 6 = 48/252 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 280/252 > 48/252 or 40/36 > 8/42
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 80/36 and 8/42 40/36 and 16/42 40/72 and 8/42 40/36 and 8/84 40/36 and 24/42 40/36 and 40/42 40/36 and 56/42