Compare 49/72 and 21/8
1st number: 49/72, 2nd number: 2 5/8
49/72 is smaller than 21/8
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 8 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 1 = 72,
49/72 = 49 × 1/72 × 1 = 49/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 8 × 9 = 72,
21/8 = 21 × 9/8 × 9 = 189/72 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 49/72 < 189/72 or 49/72 < 21/8
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 98/72 and 21/8 49/72 and 42/8 49/72 and 21/16 49/72 and 63/8 49/72 and 21/24 49/72 and 21/40 49/72 and 21/56