Compare 2/5 and 21/32
2/5 is smaller than 21/32
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 5 and 32 is 160
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 160 - For the 1st fraction, since 5 × 32 = 160,
2/5 = 2 × 32/5 × 32 = 64/160 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 32 × 5 = 160,
21/32 = 21 × 5/32 × 5 = 105/160 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 64/160 < 105/160 or 2/5 < 21/32
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