Compare 42/60 and 56/72
42/60 is smaller than 56/72
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 60 and 72 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 60 × 6 = 360,
42/60 = 42 × 6/60 × 6 = 252/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
56/72 = 56 × 5/72 × 5 = 280/360 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 252/360 < 280/360 or 42/60 < 56/72
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