Compare 4/9 and 21/40
4/9 is smaller than 21/40
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,
21/40 = 21 × 9/40 × 9 = 189/360 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 160/360 < 189/360 or 4/9 < 21/40
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 8/9 and 21/40 4/9 and 42/40 4/18 and 21/40 4/9 and 21/80 12/9 and 21/40 4/9 and 63/40 4/27 and 21/40 20/9 and 21/40 4/45 and 21/40 28/9 and 21/40 4/63 and 21/40