Compare 16/40 and 7/72
16/40 is greater than 7/72
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,
16/40 = 16 × 9/40 × 9 = 144/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
7/72 = 7 × 5/72 × 5 = 35/360 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 144/360 > 35/360 or 16/40 > 7/72
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 32/40 and 7/72 16/40 and 14/72 16/80 and 7/72 48/40 and 7/72 16/40 and 21/72 80/40 and 7/72 16/40 and 35/72 16/40 and 49/72