Compare 2/72 and 40/18
1st number: 2/72, 2nd number: 2 4/18
2/72 is smaller than 40/18
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 18 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 1 = 72,
2/72 = 2 × 1/72 × 1 = 2/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 18 × 4 = 72,
40/18 = 40 × 4/18 × 4 = 160/72 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 2/72 < 160/72 or 2/72 < 40/18
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