Compare 3/18 and 72/81
3/18 is smaller than 72/81
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 18 and 81 is 162
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 162 - For the 1st fraction, since 18 × 9 = 162,
3/18 = 3 × 9/18 × 9 = 27/162 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 81 × 2 = 162,
72/81 = 72 × 2/81 × 2 = 144/162 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 27/162 < 144/162 or 3/18 < 72/81
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