Compare 2/72 and 5/9
2/72 is smaller than 5/9
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 9 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 1 = 72,
2/72 = 2 × 1/72 × 1 = 2/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 9 × 8 = 72,
5/9 = 5 × 8/9 × 8 = 40/72 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 2/72 < 40/72 or 2/72 < 5/9
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