Compare 2/72 and 8/16
2/72 is smaller than 8/16
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 16 is 144
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 144 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 2 = 144,
2/72 = 2 × 2/72 × 2 = 4/144 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 9 = 144,
8/16 = 8 × 9/16 × 9 = 72/144 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 4/144 < 72/144 or 2/72 < 8/16
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 4/72 and 8/16 2/72 and 8/32 6/72 and 8/16 2/72 and 24/16 2/72 and 8/48 10/72 and 8/16 2/72 and 40/16 2/72 and 8/80 14/72 and 8/16 2/72 and 56/16