Compare 42/40 and 36/10
1st number: 1 2/40, 2nd number: 3 6/10
42/40 is smaller than 36/10
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 10 is 40
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 40 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 1 = 40,
42/40 = 42 × 1/40 × 1 = 42/40 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 10 × 4 = 40,
36/10 = 36 × 4/10 × 4 = 144/40 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 42/40 < 144/40 or 42/40 < 36/10
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/40 and 36/10 42/40 and 72/10 42/80 and 36/10 42/40 and 36/20 42/40 and 36/30 42/40 and 36/50 42/40 and 36/70