Compare 42/72 and 49/70
42/72 is smaller than 49/70
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 70 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 70 × 36 = 2520,
49/70 = 49 × 36/70 × 36 = 1764/2520 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 1470/2520 < 1764/2520 or 42/72 < 49/70
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