Compare 5/36 and 42/60
5/36 is smaller than 42/60
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 36 and 60 is 180
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 180 - For the 1st fraction, since 36 × 5 = 180,
5/36 = 5 × 5/36 × 5 = 25/180 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 60 × 3 = 180,
42/60 = 42 × 3/60 × 3 = 126/180 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 25/180 < 126/180 or 5/36 < 42/60
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