Compare 42/36 and 15/10
1st number: 1 6/36, 2nd number: 1 5/10
42/36 is smaller than 15/10
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 36 and 10 is 180
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 180 - For the 1st fraction, since 36 × 5 = 180,
42/36 = 42 × 5/36 × 5 = 210/180 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 10 × 18 = 180,
15/10 = 15 × 18/10 × 18 = 270/180 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 210/180 < 270/180 or 42/36 < 15/10
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/36 and 15/10 42/36 and 30/10 42/72 and 15/10 42/36 and 15/20 42/36 and 45/10 42/36 and 15/30 42/36 and 75/10 42/36 and 15/50 42/36 and 15/70