Compare 1/40 and 21/60
1/40 is smaller than 21/60
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 60 is 120
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 120 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 3 = 120,
1/40 = 1 × 3/40 × 3 = 3/120 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 60 × 2 = 120,
21/60 = 21 × 2/60 × 2 = 42/120 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 3/120 < 42/120 or 1/40 < 21/60
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