Compare 3/72 and 30/40
3/72 is smaller than 30/40
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,
3/72 = 3 × 5/72 × 5 = 15/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 9 = 360,
30/40 = 30 × 9/40 × 9 = 270/360 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 15/360 < 270/360 or 3/72 < 30/40
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 6/72 and 30/40 3/72 and 60/40 3/72 and 30/80 9/72 and 30/40 3/72 and 90/40 15/72 and 30/40 21/72 and 30/40