Compare 42/72 and 5/18
42/72 is greater than 5/18
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 18 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 1 = 72,
42/72 = 42 × 1/72 × 1 = 42/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 18 × 4 = 72,
5/18 = 5 × 4/18 × 4 = 20/72 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 42/72 > 20/72 or 42/72 > 5/18
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 5/18 42/72 and 10/18 42/72 and 5/36 42/72 and 15/18 42/72 and 5/54 42/72 and 25/18 42/72 and 5/90 42/72 and 35/18