Compare 21/84 and 3/8
21/84 is smaller than 3/8
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 84 and 8 is 168
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 168 - For the 1st fraction, since 84 × 2 = 168,
21/84 = 21 × 2/84 × 2 = 42/168 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 8 × 21 = 168,
3/8 = 3 × 21/8 × 21 = 63/168 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 42/168 < 63/168 or 21/84 < 3/8
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