Compare 1/3 and 21/40
1/3 is smaller than 21/40
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 3 and 40 is 120
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 120 - For the 1st fraction, since 3 × 40 = 120,
1/3 = 1 × 40/3 × 40 = 40/120 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 3 = 120,
21/40 = 21 × 3/40 × 3 = 63/120 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 40/120 < 63/120 or 1/3 < 21/40
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