Compare 3/40 and 20/9
1st number: 3/40, 2nd number: 2 2/9
3/40 is smaller than 20/9
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,
3/40 = 3 × 9/40 × 9 = 27/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 9 × 40 = 360,
20/9 = 20 × 40/9 × 40 = 800/360 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 27/360 < 800/360 or 3/40 < 20/9
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 6/40 and 20/9 3/40 and 40/9 3/80 and 20/9 3/40 and 20/18 9/40 and 20/9 3/40 and 60/9 3/40 and 20/27 15/40 and 20/9 3/40 and 20/45 21/40 and 20/9 3/40 and 20/63