Compare 42/72 and 28/32
42/72 is smaller than 28/32
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 32 is 288
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 288 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 4 = 288,
42/72 = 42 × 4/72 × 4 = 168/288 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 32 × 9 = 288,
28/32 = 28 × 9/32 × 9 = 252/288 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 168/288 < 252/288 or 42/72 < 28/32
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