Compare 2/72 and 54/40
1st number: 2/72, 2nd number: 1 14/40
2/72 is smaller than 54/40
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 40 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
2/72 = 2 × 5/72 × 5 = 10/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 9 = 360,
54/40 = 54 × 9/40 × 9 = 486/360 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 10/360 < 486/360 or 2/72 < 54/40
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