Compare 42/36 and 18/30
1st number: 1 6/36, 2nd number: 18/30
42/36 is greater than 18/30
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 36 and 30 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 30 × 6 = 180,
18/30 = 18 × 6/30 × 6 = 108/180 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 210/180 > 108/180 or 42/36 > 18/30
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 18/30 42/36 and 36/30 42/72 and 18/30 42/36 and 18/60 42/36 and 54/30 42/36 and 18/90 42/36 and 90/30