Compare 16/40 and 18/21
16/40 is smaller than 18/21
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 21 is 840
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 840 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 21 = 840,
16/40 = 16 × 21/40 × 21 = 336/840 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 21 × 40 = 840,
18/21 = 18 × 40/21 × 40 = 720/840 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 336/840 < 720/840 or 16/40 < 18/21
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