Compare 30/72 and 20/40
30/72 is smaller than 20/40
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,
30/72 = 30 × 5/72 × 5 = 150/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 9 = 360,
20/40 = 20 × 9/40 × 9 = 180/360 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 150/360 < 180/360 or 30/72 < 20/40
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