Compare 6/72 and 18/42
6/72 is smaller than 18/42
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 42 is 504
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 504 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 7 = 504,
6/72 = 6 × 7/72 × 7 = 42/504 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 12 = 504,
18/42 = 18 × 12/42 × 12 = 216/504 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 42/504 < 216/504 or 6/72 < 18/42
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