Compare 2/40 and 12/18
2/40 is smaller than 12/18
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 18 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 9 = 360,
2/40 = 2 × 9/40 × 9 = 18/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 18 × 20 = 360,
12/18 = 12 × 20/18 × 20 = 240/360 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 18/360 < 240/360 or 2/40 < 12/18
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 4/40 and 12/18 2/40 and 24/18 2/80 and 12/18 2/40 and 12/36 6/40 and 12/18 2/40 and 36/18 2/40 and 12/54 10/40 and 12/18 2/40 and 60/18 2/40 and 12/90 14/40 and 12/18 2/40 and 84/18