Compare 2/40 and 5/32
2/40 is smaller than 5/32
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 32 is 160
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 160 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 4 = 160,
2/40 = 2 × 4/40 × 4 = 8/160 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 32 × 5 = 160,
5/32 = 5 × 5/32 × 5 = 25/160 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 8/160 < 25/160 or 2/40 < 5/32
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