Compare 2/21 and 7/40
2/21 is smaller than 7/40
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,
2/21 = 2 × 40/21 × 40 = 80/840 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 21 = 840,
7/40 = 7 × 21/40 × 21 = 147/840 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 80/840 < 147/840 or 2/21 < 7/40
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