Compare 8/36 and 12/42
8/36 is smaller than 12/42
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,
8/36 = 8 × 7/36 × 7 = 56/252 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 6 = 252,
12/42 = 12 × 6/42 × 6 = 72/252 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 56/252 < 72/252 or 8/36 < 12/42
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