Compare 18/40 and 18/72
18/40 is greater than 18/72
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,
18/40 = 18 × 9/40 × 9 = 162/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
18/72 = 18 × 5/72 × 5 = 90/360 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 162/360 > 90/360 or 18/40 > 18/72
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 36/40 and 18/72 18/40 and 36/72 18/80 and 18/72 54/40 and 18/72 18/40 and 54/72 90/40 and 18/72 18/40 and 90/72