Compare 36/72 and 40/54
36/72 is smaller than 40/54
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 54 is 216
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 216 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 3 = 216,
36/72 = 36 × 3/72 × 3 = 108/216 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 54 × 4 = 216,
40/54 = 40 × 4/54 × 4 = 160/216 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 108/216 < 160/216 or 36/72 < 40/54
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