Compare 3/42 and 7/72
3/42 is smaller than 7/72
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 72 is 504
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 504 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 12 = 504,
3/42 = 3 × 12/42 × 12 = 36/504 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 7 = 504,
7/72 = 7 × 7/72 × 7 = 49/504 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 36/504 < 49/504 or 3/42 < 7/72
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