Compare 42/36 and 21/5
1st number: 1 6/36, 2nd number: 4 1/5
42/36 is smaller than 21/5
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 36 and 5 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 5 × 36 = 180,
21/5 = 21 × 36/5 × 36 = 756/180 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 210/180 < 756/180 or 42/36 < 21/5
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