Compare 42/16 and 72/25
1st number: 2 10/16, 2nd number: 2 22/25
42/16 is smaller than 72/25
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 16 and 25 is 400
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 400 - For the 1st fraction, since 16 × 25 = 400,
42/16 = 42 × 25/16 × 25 = 1050/400 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 25 × 16 = 400,
72/25 = 72 × 16/25 × 16 = 1152/400 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 1050/400 < 1152/400 or 42/16 < 72/25
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/16 and 72/25 42/32 and 72/25 42/16 and 72/50 42/48 and 72/25 42/16 and 72/75 42/80 and 72/25