Compare 2/72 and 42/50
2/72 is smaller than 42/50
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 50 is 1800
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 1800 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 25 = 1800,
2/72 = 2 × 25/72 × 25 = 50/1800 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 50 × 36 = 1800,
42/50 = 42 × 36/50 × 36 = 1512/1800 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 50/1800 < 1512/1800 or 2/72 < 42/50
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