Compare 42/2 and 18/72
1st number: 21 0/2, 2nd number: 18/72
42/2 is greater than 18/72
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 2 and 72 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 2 × 36 = 72,
42/2 = 42 × 36/2 × 36 = 1512/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 1 = 72,
18/72 = 18 × 1/72 × 1 = 18/72 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 1512/72 > 18/72 or 42/2 > 18/72
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/2 and 18/72 42/2 and 36/72 42/4 and 18/72 42/2 and 54/72 42/6 and 18/72 42/2 and 90/72 42/10 and 18/72 42/14 and 18/72