Compare 16/28 and 42/72
16/28 is smaller than 42/72
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 28 and 72 is 504
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 504 - For the 1st fraction, since 28 × 18 = 504,
16/28 = 16 × 18/28 × 18 = 288/504 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 7 = 504,
42/72 = 42 × 7/72 × 7 = 294/504 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 288/504 < 294/504 or 16/28 < 42/72
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