Compare 72/40 and 56/72
1st number: 1 32/40, 2nd number: 56/72
72/40 is greater than 56/72
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,
72/40 = 72 × 9/40 × 9 = 648/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
56/72 = 56 × 5/72 × 5 = 280/360 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 648/360 > 280/360 or 72/40 > 56/72
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 72/80 and 56/72