Compare 3/72 and 18/56
3/72 is smaller than 18/56
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 56 is 504
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 504 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 7 = 504,
3/72 = 3 × 7/72 × 7 = 21/504 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 56 × 9 = 504,
18/56 = 18 × 9/56 × 9 = 162/504 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 21/504 < 162/504 or 3/72 < 18/56
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