Compare 42/96 and 36/48
42/96 is smaller than 36/48
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 96 and 48 is 96
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 96 - For the 1st fraction, since 96 × 1 = 96,
42/96 = 42 × 1/96 × 1 = 42/96 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 48 × 2 = 96,
36/48 = 36 × 2/48 × 2 = 72/96 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 42/96 < 72/96 or 42/96 < 36/48
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