Compare 16/49 and 21/40
16/49 is smaller than 21/40
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 49 and 40 is 1960
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 1960 - For the 1st fraction, since 49 × 40 = 1960,
16/49 = 16 × 40/49 × 40 = 640/1960 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 49 = 1960,
21/40 = 21 × 49/40 × 49 = 1029/1960 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 640/1960 < 1029/1960 or 16/49 < 21/40
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