Compare 4/42 and 3/72
4/42 is greater than 3/72
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,
4/42 = 4 × 12/42 × 12 = 48/504 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 7 = 504,
3/72 = 3 × 7/72 × 7 = 21/504 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 48/504 > 21/504 or 4/42 > 3/72
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 8/42 and 3/72 4/42 and 6/72 4/84 and 3/72 12/42 and 3/72 4/42 and 9/72 20/42 and 3/72 4/42 and 15/72 28/42 and 3/72 4/42 and 21/72