Compare 5/72 and 4/40
5/72 is smaller than 4/40
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 40 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
5/72 = 5 × 5/72 × 5 = 25/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 9 = 360,
4/40 = 4 × 9/40 × 9 = 36/360 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 25/360 < 36/360 or 5/72 < 4/40
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 10/72 and 4/40 5/72 and 8/40 5/72 and 4/80 15/72 and 4/40 5/72 and 12/40 25/72 and 4/40 5/72 and 20/40 35/72 and 4/40 5/72 and 28/40