Compare 15/2 and 72/21
1st number: 7 1/2, 2nd number: 3 9/21
15/2 is greater than 72/21
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 2 and 21 is 42
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 42 - For the 1st fraction, since 2 × 21 = 42,
15/2 = 15 × 21/2 × 21 = 315/42 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 21 × 2 = 42,
72/21 = 72 × 2/21 × 2 = 144/42 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 315/42 > 144/42 or 15/2 > 72/21
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 30/2 and 72/21 15/4 and 72/21 15/2 and 72/42 45/2 and 72/21 15/6 and 72/21 15/2 and 72/63 75/2 and 72/21 15/10 and 72/21 15/14 and 72/21