Compare 2/84 and 5/72
2/84 is smaller than 5/72
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 84 and 72 is 504
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 504 - For the 1st fraction, since 84 × 6 = 504,
2/84 = 2 × 6/84 × 6 = 12/504 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 7 = 504,
5/72 = 5 × 7/72 × 7 = 35/504 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 12/504 < 35/504 or 2/84 < 5/72
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