Compare 7/40 and 84/72
1st number: 7/40, 2nd number: 1 12/72
7/40 is smaller than 84/72
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 72 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 9 = 360,
7/40 = 7 × 9/40 × 9 = 63/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
84/72 = 84 × 5/72 × 5 = 420/360 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 63/360 < 420/360 or 7/40 < 84/72
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 14/40 and 84/72 7/80 and 84/72 21/40 and 84/72 35/40 and 84/72 49/40 and 84/72