Compare 5/72 and 42/20
1st number: 5/72, 2nd number: 2 2/20
5/72 is smaller than 42/20
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 20 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
5/72 = 5 × 5/72 × 5 = 25/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 20 × 18 = 360,
42/20 = 42 × 18/20 × 18 = 756/360 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 25/360 < 756/360 or 5/72 < 42/20
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 10/72 and 42/20 5/72 and 84/20 5/72 and 42/40 15/72 and 42/20 5/72 and 42/60 25/72 and 42/20 35/72 and 42/20