Compare 15/21 and 40/48
15/21 is smaller than 40/48
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 21 and 48 is 336
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 336 - For the 1st fraction, since 21 × 16 = 336,
15/21 = 15 × 16/21 × 16 = 240/336 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 48 × 7 = 336,
40/48 = 40 × 7/48 × 7 = 280/336 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 240/336 < 280/336 or 15/21 < 40/48
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