Compare 36/56 and 56/72
36/56 is smaller than 56/72
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 56 and 72 is 504
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 504 - For the 1st fraction, since 56 × 9 = 504,
36/56 = 36 × 9/56 × 9 = 324/504 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 7 = 504,
56/72 = 56 × 7/72 × 7 = 392/504 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 324/504 < 392/504 or 36/56 < 56/72
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 72/56 and 56/72