Compare 5/2 and 70/21
1st number: 2 1/2, 2nd number: 3 7/21
5/2 is smaller than 70/21
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 2 and 21 is 42
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 42 - For the 1st fraction, since 2 × 21 = 42,
5/2 = 5 × 21/2 × 21 = 105/42 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 21 × 2 = 42,
70/21 = 70 × 2/21 × 2 = 140/42 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 105/42 < 140/42 or 5/2 < 70/21
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 10/2 and 70/21 5/4 and 70/21 5/2 and 70/42 15/2 and 70/21 5/6 and 70/21 5/2 and 70/63 25/2 and 70/21 5/10 and 70/21 35/2 and 70/21 5/14 and 70/21