Compare 5/42 and 14/72
5/42 is smaller than 14/72
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 72 is 504
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 504 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 12 = 504,
5/42 = 5 × 12/42 × 12 = 60/504 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 7 = 504,
14/72 = 14 × 7/72 × 7 = 98/504 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 60/504 < 98/504 or 5/42 < 14/72
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 10/42 and 14/72 5/42 and 28/72 5/84 and 14/72 15/42 and 14/72 5/42 and 42/72 25/42 and 14/72 5/42 and 70/72 35/42 and 14/72 5/42 and 98/72