Compare 5/72 and 21/32
5/72 is smaller than 21/32
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 32 is 288
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 288 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 4 = 288,
5/72 = 5 × 4/72 × 4 = 20/288 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 32 × 9 = 288,
21/32 = 21 × 9/32 × 9 = 189/288 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 20/288 < 189/288 or 5/72 < 21/32
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