Compare 3/8 and 21/27
3/8 is smaller than 21/27
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 8 and 27 is 216
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 216 - For the 1st fraction, since 8 × 27 = 216,
3/8 = 3 × 27/8 × 27 = 81/216 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 27 × 8 = 216,
21/27 = 21 × 8/27 × 8 = 168/216 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 81/216 < 168/216 or 3/8 < 21/27
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