Compare 6/72 and 56/42
1st number: 6/72, 2nd number: 1 14/42
6/72 is smaller than 56/42
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,
56/42 = 56 × 12/42 × 12 = 672/504 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 42/504 < 672/504 or 6/72 < 56/42
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 12/72 and 56/42 6/72 and 56/84 18/72 and 56/42 30/72 and 56/42 42/72 and 56/42