Compare 40/72 and 24/42
40/72 is smaller than 24/42
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 42 is 504
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 504 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 7 = 504,
40/72 = 40 × 7/72 × 7 = 280/504 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 12 = 504,
24/42 = 24 × 12/42 × 12 = 288/504 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 280/504 < 288/504 or 40/72 < 24/42
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