Compare 2/21 and 40/16
1st number: 2/21, 2nd number: 2 8/16
2/21 is smaller than 40/16
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 21 and 16 is 336
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 336 - For the 1st fraction, since 21 × 16 = 336,
2/21 = 2 × 16/21 × 16 = 32/336 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 21 = 336,
40/16 = 40 × 21/16 × 21 = 840/336 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 32/336 < 840/336 or 2/21 < 40/16
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 4/21 and 40/16 2/21 and 80/16 2/42 and 40/16 2/21 and 40/32 6/21 and 40/16 2/63 and 40/16 2/21 and 40/48 10/21 and 40/16 2/21 and 40/80 14/21 and 40/16