Compare 6/12 and 40/72
6/12 is smaller than 40/72
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 72 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 6 = 72,
6/12 = 6 × 6/12 × 6 = 36/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 1 = 72,
40/72 = 40 × 1/72 × 1 = 40/72 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 36/72 < 40/72 or 6/12 < 40/72
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