Compare 42/40 and 72/36
1st number: 1 2/40, 2nd number: 2 0/36
42/40 is smaller than 72/36
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 36 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 9 = 360,
42/40 = 42 × 9/40 × 9 = 378/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 10 = 360,
72/36 = 72 × 10/36 × 10 = 720/360 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 378/360 < 720/360 or 42/40 < 72/36
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/40 and 72/36 42/80 and 72/36