Compare 42/72 and 84/5
1st number: 42/72, 2nd number: 16 4/5
42/72 is smaller than 84/5
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 5 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
42/72 = 42 × 5/72 × 5 = 210/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 5 × 72 = 360,
84/5 = 84 × 72/5 × 72 = 6048/360 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 210/360 < 6048/360 or 42/72 < 84/5
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 84/5 42/72 and 84/10 42/72 and 84/15 42/72 and 84/25 42/72 and 84/35