Compare 72/36 and 40/7
1st number: 2 0/36, 2nd number: 5 5/7
72/36 is smaller than 40/7
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 36 and 7 is 252
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 252 - For the 1st fraction, since 36 × 7 = 252,
72/36 = 72 × 7/36 × 7 = 504/252 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 7 × 36 = 252,
40/7 = 40 × 36/7 × 36 = 1440/252 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 504/252 < 1440/252 or 72/36 < 40/7
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