Compare 9/72 and 15/42
9/72 is smaller than 15/42
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 42 is 504
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 504 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 7 = 504,
9/72 = 9 × 7/72 × 7 = 63/504 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 12 = 504,
15/42 = 15 × 12/42 × 12 = 180/504 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 63/504 < 180/504 or 9/72 < 15/42
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 18/72 and 15/42 9/72 and 30/42 9/72 and 15/84 27/72 and 15/42 9/72 and 45/42 45/72 and 15/42 9/72 and 75/42 63/72 and 15/42