Compare 72/18 and 50/8
1st number: 4 0/18, 2nd number: 6 2/8
72/18 is smaller than 50/8
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 18 and 8 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 18 × 4 = 72,
72/18 = 72 × 4/18 × 4 = 288/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 8 × 9 = 72,
50/8 = 50 × 9/8 × 9 = 450/72 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 288/72 < 450/72 or 72/18 < 50/8
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 72/36 and 50/8 72/18 and 50/16 72/54 and 50/8 72/18 and 50/24 72/90 and 50/8 72/18 and 50/40 72/18 and 50/56