Compare 32/42 and 5/72
32/42 is greater than 5/72
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,
32/42 = 32 × 12/42 × 12 = 384/504 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 7 = 504,
5/72 = 5 × 7/72 × 7 = 35/504 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 384/504 > 35/504 or 32/42 > 5/72
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 64/42 and 5/72 32/42 and 10/72 32/84 and 5/72 96/42 and 5/72 32/42 and 15/72 32/42 and 25/72 32/42 and 35/72