Compare 72/36 and 12/9
1st number: 2 0/36, 2nd number: 1 3/9
72/36 is greater than 12/9
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 36 and 9 is 36
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 36 - For the 1st fraction, since 36 × 1 = 36,
72/36 = 72 × 1/36 × 1 = 72/36 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 9 × 4 = 36,
12/9 = 12 × 4/9 × 4 = 48/36 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 72/36 > 48/36 or 72/36 > 12/9
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 72/36 and 24/9 72/36 and 12/18 72/36 and 36/9 72/36 and 12/27 72/36 and 60/9 72/36 and 12/45 72/36 and 84/9 72/36 and 12/63