Compare 21/40 and 5/9
21/40 is smaller than 5/9
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 9 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 9 = 360,
21/40 = 21 × 9/40 × 9 = 189/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 9 × 40 = 360,
5/9 = 5 × 40/9 × 40 = 200/360 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 189/360 < 200/360 or 21/40 < 5/9
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