Compare 5/40 and 7/16
5/40 is smaller than 7/16
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 16 is 80
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 80 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 2 = 80,
5/40 = 5 × 2/40 × 2 = 10/80 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 5 = 80,
7/16 = 7 × 5/16 × 5 = 35/80 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 10/80 < 35/80 or 5/40 < 7/16
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 10/40 and 7/16 5/40 and 14/16 5/80 and 7/16 5/40 and 7/32 15/40 and 7/16 5/40 and 21/16 5/40 and 7/48 25/40 and 7/16 5/40 and 35/16 5/40 and 7/80 35/40 and 7/16 5/40 and 49/16