Compare 42/45 and 21/36
42/45 is greater than 21/36
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 45 and 36 is 180
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 180 - For the 1st fraction, since 45 × 4 = 180,
42/45 = 42 × 4/45 × 4 = 168/180 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 5 = 180,
21/36 = 21 × 5/36 × 5 = 105/180 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 168/180 > 105/180 or 42/45 > 21/36
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/45 and 21/36 42/45 and 42/36 42/90 and 21/36 42/45 and 21/72 42/45 and 63/36