Answers

Compare 42/56 and 42/36

1^st number: 42/56, 2^nd number: 1 6/36

42/56 is smaller than 42/36

Steps for comparing fractions

1. Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
   LCM of 56 and 36 is 504
   
   Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 504
2. For the 1st fraction, since 56 × 9 = 504,
   42/56 = 42 × 9/56 × 9 = 378/504
3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 14 = 504,
   42/36 = 42 × 14/36 × 14 = 588/504
4. Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
5. 378/504 < 588/504 or 42/56 < 42/36

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