Compare 21/72 and 21/45
21/72 is smaller than 21/45
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 45 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
21/72 = 21 × 5/72 × 5 = 105/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 45 × 8 = 360,
21/45 = 21 × 8/45 × 8 = 168/360 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 105/360 < 168/360 or 21/72 < 21/45
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