Compare 5/14 and 72/40
1st number: 5/14, 2nd number: 1 32/40
5/14 is smaller than 72/40
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 14 and 40 is 280
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 280 - For the 1st fraction, since 14 × 20 = 280,
5/14 = 5 × 20/14 × 20 = 100/280 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 7 = 280,
72/40 = 72 × 7/40 × 7 = 504/280 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 100/280 < 504/280 or 5/14 < 72/40
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 10/14 and 72/40 5/28 and 72/40 5/14 and 72/80 15/14 and 72/40 5/42 and 72/40 25/14 and 72/40 5/70 and 72/40 35/14 and 72/40 5/98 and 72/40