Compare 2/40 and 5/21
2/40 is smaller than 5/21
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 21 is 840
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 840 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 21 = 840,
2/40 = 2 × 21/40 × 21 = 42/840 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 21 × 40 = 840,
5/21 = 5 × 40/21 × 40 = 200/840 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 42/840 < 200/840 or 2/40 < 5/21
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