Compare 3/72 and 42/9
1st number: 3/72, 2nd number: 4 6/9
3/72 is smaller than 42/9
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 9 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 1 = 72,
3/72 = 3 × 1/72 × 1 = 3/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 9 × 8 = 72,
42/9 = 42 × 8/9 × 8 = 336/72 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 3/72 < 336/72 or 3/72 < 42/9
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 6/72 and 42/9 3/72 and 84/9 3/72 and 42/18 9/72 and 42/9 3/72 and 42/27 15/72 and 42/9 3/72 and 42/45 21/72 and 42/9 3/72 and 42/63