Compare 2/40 and 40/50
2/40 is smaller than 40/50
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 50 is 200
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 200 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 5 = 200,
2/40 = 2 × 5/40 × 5 = 10/200 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 50 × 4 = 200,
40/50 = 40 × 4/50 × 4 = 160/200 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 10/200 < 160/200 or 2/40 < 40/50
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