Compare 2/5 and 21/35
2/5 is smaller than 21/35
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 5 and 35 is 35
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 35 - For the 1st fraction, since 5 × 7 = 35,
2/5 = 2 × 7/5 × 7 = 14/35 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 35 × 1 = 35,
21/35 = 21 × 1/35 × 1 = 21/35 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 14/35 < 21/35 or 2/5 < 21/35
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