Compare 1/40 and 20/32
1/40 is smaller than 20/32
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 32 is 160
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 160 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 4 = 160,
1/40 = 1 × 4/40 × 4 = 4/160 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 32 × 5 = 160,
20/32 = 20 × 5/32 × 5 = 100/160 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 4/160 < 100/160 or 1/40 < 20/32
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 2/40 and 20/32 1/40 and 40/32 1/80 and 20/32 1/40 and 20/64 3/40 and 20/32 1/40 and 60/32 1/40 and 20/96 5/40 and 20/32 7/40 and 20/32