Compare 84/90 and 72/40
1st number: 84/90, 2nd number: 1 32/40
84/90 is smaller than 72/40
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 90 and 40 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 90 × 4 = 360,
84/90 = 84 × 4/90 × 4 = 336/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 9 = 360,
72/40 = 72 × 9/40 × 9 = 648/360 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 336/360 < 648/360 or 84/90 < 72/40
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/90 and 72/80