Compare 72/40 and 36/42
1st number: 1 32/40, 2nd number: 36/42
72/40 is greater than 36/42
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 42 is 840
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 840 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 21 = 840,
72/40 = 72 × 21/40 × 21 = 1512/840 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 20 = 840,
36/42 = 36 × 20/42 × 20 = 720/840 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 1512/840 > 720/840 or 72/40 > 36/42
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