Compare 72/36 and 16/15
1st number: 2 0/36, 2nd number: 1 1/15
72/36 is greater than 16/15
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 36 and 15 is 180
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 180 - For the 1st fraction, since 36 × 5 = 180,
72/36 = 72 × 5/36 × 5 = 360/180 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 15 × 12 = 180,
16/15 = 16 × 12/15 × 12 = 192/180 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 360/180 > 192/180 or 72/36 > 16/15
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