Compare 1/21 and 40/36
1st number: 1/21, 2nd number: 1 4/36
1/21 is smaller than 40/36
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 21 and 36 is 252
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 252 - For the 1st fraction, since 21 × 12 = 252,
1/21 = 1 × 12/21 × 12 = 12/252 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 7 = 252,
40/36 = 40 × 7/36 × 7 = 280/252 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 12/252 < 280/252 or 1/21 < 40/36
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 2/21 and 40/36 1/21 and 80/36 1/42 and 40/36 1/21 and 40/72 3/21 and 40/36 1/63 and 40/36 5/21 and 40/36 7/21 and 40/36