Compare 18/72 and 2/5
18/72 is smaller than 2/5
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 5 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
18/72 = 18 × 5/72 × 5 = 90/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 5 × 72 = 360,
2/5 = 2 × 72/5 × 72 = 144/360 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 90/360 < 144/360 or 18/72 < 2/5
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