Compare 7/21 and 42/72
7/21 is smaller than 42/72
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 21 and 72 is 504
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 504 - For the 1st fraction, since 21 × 24 = 504,
7/21 = 7 × 24/21 × 24 = 168/504 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 7 = 504,
42/72 = 42 × 7/72 × 7 = 294/504 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 168/504 < 294/504 or 7/21 < 42/72
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