Compare 42/72 and 21/35
42/72 is smaller than 21/35
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 35 is 2520
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 2520 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 35 = 2520,
42/72 = 42 × 35/72 × 35 = 1470/2520 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 35 × 72 = 2520,
21/35 = 21 × 72/35 × 72 = 1512/2520 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 1470/2520 < 1512/2520 or 42/72 < 21/35
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/72 and 21/35 42/72 and 42/35 42/72 and 21/70 42/72 and 63/35