Compare 12/72 and 1/40
12/72 is greater than 1/40
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 40 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
12/72 = 12 × 5/72 × 5 = 60/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 9 = 360,
1/40 = 1 × 9/40 × 9 = 9/360 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 60/360 > 9/360 or 12/72 > 1/40
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 24/72 and 1/40 12/72 and 2/40 12/72 and 1/80 36/72 and 1/40 12/72 and 3/40 60/72 and 1/40 12/72 and 5/40 84/72 and 1/40 12/72 and 7/40