Compare 12/40 and 42/72
12/40 is smaller than 42/72
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 72 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 9 = 360,
12/40 = 12 × 9/40 × 9 = 108/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
42/72 = 42 × 5/72 × 5 = 210/360 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 108/360 < 210/360 or 12/40 < 42/72
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