Compare 21/72 and 5/8
21/72 is smaller than 5/8
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 8 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 1 = 72,
21/72 = 21 × 1/72 × 1 = 21/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 8 × 9 = 72,
5/8 = 5 × 9/8 × 9 = 45/72 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 21/72 < 45/72 or 21/72 < 5/8
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 42/72 and 5/8 21/72 and 10/8 21/72 and 5/16 63/72 and 5/8 21/72 and 15/8 21/72 and 5/24 21/72 and 25/8 21/72 and 5/40 21/72 and 35/8 21/72 and 5/56