Compare 18/42 and 40/72
18/42 is smaller than 40/72
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 72 is 504
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 504 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 12 = 504,
18/42 = 18 × 12/42 × 12 = 216/504 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 7 = 504,
40/72 = 40 × 7/72 × 7 = 280/504 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 216/504 < 280/504 or 18/42 < 40/72
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