Compare 3/21 and 40/20
1st number: 3/21, 2nd number: 2 0/20
3/21 is smaller than 40/20
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 21 and 20 is 420
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 420 - For the 1st fraction, since 21 × 20 = 420,
3/21 = 3 × 20/21 × 20 = 60/420 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 20 × 21 = 420,
40/20 = 40 × 21/20 × 21 = 840/420 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 60/420 < 840/420 or 3/21 < 40/20
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 6/21 and 40/20 3/21 and 80/20 3/42 and 40/20 9/21 and 40/20 3/63 and 40/20 3/21 and 40/60 15/21 and 40/20