Compare 2/40 and 5/18
2/40 is smaller than 5/18
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,
5/18 = 5 × 20/18 × 20 = 100/360 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 18/360 < 100/360 or 2/40 < 5/18
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