Compare 18/84 and 40/70
18/84 is smaller than 40/70
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 84 and 70 is 420
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 420 - For the 1st fraction, since 84 × 5 = 420,
18/84 = 18 × 5/84 × 5 = 90/420 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 70 × 6 = 420,
40/70 = 40 × 6/70 × 6 = 240/420 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 90/420 < 240/420 or 18/84 < 40/70
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 36/84 and 40/70 18/84 and 80/70 54/84 and 40/70 90/84 and 40/70