Compare 1/21 and 5/40
1/21 is smaller than 5/40
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 21 and 40 is 840
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 840 - For the 1st fraction, since 21 × 40 = 840,
1/21 = 1 × 40/21 × 40 = 40/840 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 21 = 840,
5/40 = 5 × 21/40 × 21 = 105/840 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 40/840 < 105/840 or 1/21 < 5/40
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