Compare 4/9 and 20/40
4/9 is smaller than 20/40
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 9 and 40 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 9 × 40 = 360,
4/9 = 4 × 40/9 × 40 = 160/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 9 = 360,
20/40 = 20 × 9/40 × 9 = 180/360 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 160/360 < 180/360 or 4/9 < 20/40
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