Compare 2/72 and 42/35
1st number: 2/72, 2nd number: 1 7/35
2/72 is smaller than 42/35
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 35 is 2520
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 2520 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 35 = 2520,
2/72 = 2 × 35/72 × 35 = 70/2520 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 35 × 72 = 2520,
42/35 = 42 × 72/35 × 72 = 3024/2520 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 70/2520 < 3024/2520 or 2/72 < 42/35
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