Compare 5/2 and 21/72
1st number: 2 1/2, 2nd number: 21/72
5/2 is greater than 21/72
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 2 and 72 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 2 × 36 = 72,
5/2 = 5 × 36/2 × 36 = 180/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 1 = 72,
21/72 = 21 × 1/72 × 1 = 21/72 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 180/72 > 21/72 or 5/2 > 21/72
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