Compare 12/40 and 21/25
12/40 is smaller than 21/25
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 25 is 200
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 200 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 5 = 200,
12/40 = 12 × 5/40 × 5 = 60/200 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 25 × 8 = 200,
21/25 = 21 × 8/25 × 8 = 168/200 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 60/200 < 168/200 or 12/40 < 21/25
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