Compare 72/21 and 35/8
1st number: 3 9/21, 2nd number: 4 3/8
72/21 is smaller than 35/8
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 21 and 8 is 168
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 168 - For the 1st fraction, since 21 × 8 = 168,
72/21 = 72 × 8/21 × 8 = 576/168 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 8 × 21 = 168,
35/8 = 35 × 21/8 × 21 = 735/168 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 576/168 < 735/168 or 72/21 < 35/8
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 72/21 and 70/8 72/42 and 35/8 72/21 and 35/16 72/63 and 35/8 72/21 and 35/24 72/21 and 35/40 72/21 and 35/56