Compare 1/4 and 21/32
1/4 is smaller than 21/32
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 4 and 32 is 32
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 32 - For the 1st fraction, since 4 × 8 = 32,
1/4 = 1 × 8/4 × 8 = 8/32 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 32 × 1 = 32,
21/32 = 21 × 1/32 × 1 = 21/32 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 8/32 < 21/32 or 1/4 < 21/32
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