Compare 7/36 and 42/20
1st number: 7/36, 2nd number: 2 2/20
7/36 is smaller than 42/20
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 36 and 20 is 180
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 180 - For the 1st fraction, since 36 × 5 = 180,
7/36 = 7 × 5/36 × 5 = 35/180 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 20 × 9 = 180,
42/20 = 42 × 9/20 × 9 = 378/180 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 35/180 < 378/180 or 7/36 < 42/20
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 14/36 and 42/20 7/36 and 84/20 7/72 and 42/20 7/36 and 42/40 21/36 and 42/20 7/36 and 42/60 35/36 and 42/20 49/36 and 42/20