Compare 45/72 and 72/84
45/72 is smaller than 72/84
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 84 is 504
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 504 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 7 = 504,
45/72 = 45 × 7/72 × 7 = 315/504 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 84 × 6 = 504,
72/84 = 72 × 6/84 × 6 = 432/504 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 315/504 < 432/504 or 45/72 < 72/84
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 90/72 and 72/84