Compare 2/40 and 72/15
1st number: 2/40, 2nd number: 4 12/15
2/40 is smaller than 72/15
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 15 is 120
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 120 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 3 = 120,
2/40 = 2 × 3/40 × 3 = 6/120 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 15 × 8 = 120,
72/15 = 72 × 8/15 × 8 = 576/120 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 6/120 < 576/120 or 2/40 < 72/15
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