Compare 12/21 and 40/49
12/21 is smaller than 40/49
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 21 and 49 is 147
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 147 - For the 1st fraction, since 21 × 7 = 147,
12/21 = 12 × 7/21 × 7 = 84/147 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 49 × 3 = 147,
40/49 = 40 × 3/49 × 3 = 120/147 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 84/147 < 120/147 or 12/21 < 40/49
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