Compare 42/90 and 50/36
1st number: 42/90, 2nd number: 1 14/36
42/90 is smaller than 50/36
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 90 and 36 is 180
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 180 - For the 1st fraction, since 90 × 2 = 180,
42/90 = 42 × 2/90 × 2 = 84/180 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 5 = 180,
50/36 = 50 × 5/36 × 5 = 250/180 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 84/180 < 250/180 or 42/90 < 50/36
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/90 and 50/36 42/90 and 50/72