Compare 72/40 and 80/36
1st number: 1 32/40, 2nd number: 2 8/36
72/40 is smaller than 80/36
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 36 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 36 × 10 = 360,
80/36 = 80 × 10/36 × 10 = 800/360 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 648/360 < 800/360 or 72/40 < 80/36
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 80/36 72/40 and 80/72