Compare 6/72 and 7/40
6/72 is smaller than 7/40
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,
6/72 = 6 × 5/72 × 5 = 30/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 9 = 360,
7/40 = 7 × 9/40 × 9 = 63/360 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 30/360 < 63/360 or 6/72 < 7/40
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