Compare 9/72 and 15/40
9/72 is smaller than 15/40
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 40 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
9/72 = 9 × 5/72 × 5 = 45/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 9 = 360,
15/40 = 15 × 9/40 × 9 = 135/360 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 45/360 < 135/360 or 9/72 < 15/40
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