Compare 5/72 and 42/54
5/72 is smaller than 42/54
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 54 is 216
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 216 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 3 = 216,
5/72 = 5 × 3/72 × 3 = 15/216 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 54 × 4 = 216,
42/54 = 42 × 4/54 × 4 = 168/216 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 15/216 < 168/216 or 5/72 < 42/54
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