Compare 21/36 and 56/72
21/36 is smaller than 56/72
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 36 and 72 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 36 × 2 = 72,
21/36 = 21 × 2/36 × 2 = 42/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 1 = 72,
56/72 = 56 × 1/72 × 1 = 56/72 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 42/72 < 56/72 or 21/36 < 56/72
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