Compare 42/96 and 42/36
1st number: 42/96, 2nd number: 1 6/36
42/96 is smaller than 42/36
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 96 and 36 is 288
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 288 - For the 1st fraction, since 96 × 3 = 288,
42/96 = 42 × 3/96 × 3 = 126/288 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 8 = 288,
42/36 = 42 × 8/36 × 8 = 336/288 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 126/288 < 336/288 or 42/96 < 42/36
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