Compare 12/72 and 7/18
12/72 is smaller than 7/18
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 18 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 1 = 72,
12/72 = 12 × 1/72 × 1 = 12/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 18 × 4 = 72,
7/18 = 7 × 4/18 × 4 = 28/72 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 12/72 < 28/72 or 12/72 < 7/18
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 7/18 12/72 and 14/18 12/72 and 7/36 36/72 and 7/18 12/72 and 21/18 12/72 and 7/54 60/72 and 7/18 12/72 and 35/18 12/72 and 7/90 84/72 and 7/18 12/72 and 49/18