Compare 72/35 and 42/16
1st number: 2 2/35, 2nd number: 2 10/16
72/35 is smaller than 42/16
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 35 and 16 is 560
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 560 - For the 1st fraction, since 35 × 16 = 560,
72/35 = 72 × 16/35 × 16 = 1152/560 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 35 = 560,
42/16 = 42 × 35/16 × 35 = 1470/560 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 1152/560 < 1470/560 or 72/35 < 42/16
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