Compare 2/6 and 42/72
2/6 is smaller than 42/72
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 6 and 72 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 6 × 12 = 72,
2/6 = 2 × 12/6 × 12 = 24/72 - 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
- 24/72 < 42/72 or 2/6 < 42/72
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 4/6 and 42/72 2/6 and 84/72 2/12 and 42/72 2/18 and 42/72 10/6 and 42/72 2/30 and 42/72 14/6 and 42/72 2/42 and 42/72