Compare 8/40 and 21/72
8/40 is smaller than 21/72
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,
8/40 = 8 × 9/40 × 9 = 72/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
21/72 = 21 × 5/72 × 5 = 105/360 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 72/360 < 105/360 or 8/40 < 21/72
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 16/40 and 21/72 8/40 and 42/72 8/80 and 21/72 24/40 and 21/72 8/40 and 63/72 56/40 and 21/72