Compare 7/72 and 12/40
7/72 is smaller than 12/40
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,
7/72 = 7 × 5/72 × 5 = 35/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 9 = 360,
12/40 = 12 × 9/40 × 9 = 108/360 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 35/360 < 108/360 or 7/72 < 12/40
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 14/72 and 12/40 7/72 and 24/40 7/72 and 12/80 21/72 and 12/40 7/72 and 36/40 35/72 and 12/40 7/72 and 60/40 49/72 and 12/40 7/72 and 84/40