Compare 42/84 and 84/72
1st number: 42/84, 2nd number: 1 12/72
42/84 is smaller than 84/72
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 84 and 72 is 504
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 504 - For the 1st fraction, since 84 × 6 = 504,
42/84 = 42 × 6/84 × 6 = 252/504 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 7 = 504,
84/72 = 84 × 7/72 × 7 = 588/504 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 252/504 < 588/504 or 42/84 < 84/72
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