Compare 7/36 and 16/42
7/36 is smaller than 16/42
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 36 and 42 is 252
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 252 - For the 1st fraction, since 36 × 7 = 252,
7/36 = 7 × 7/36 × 7 = 49/252 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 6 = 252,
16/42 = 16 × 6/42 × 6 = 96/252 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 49/252 < 96/252 or 7/36 < 16/42
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