Compare 2/4 and 42/72
2/4 is smaller than 42/72
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 4 and 72 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 4 × 18 = 72,
2/4 = 2 × 18/4 × 18 = 36/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 1 = 72,
42/72 = 42 × 1/72 × 1 = 42/72 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 36/72 < 42/72 or 2/4 < 42/72
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