Compare 2/5 and 40/81
2/5 is smaller than 40/81
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 5 and 81 is 405
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 405 - For the 1st fraction, since 5 × 81 = 405,
2/5 = 2 × 81/5 × 81 = 162/405 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 81 × 5 = 405,
40/81 = 40 × 5/81 × 5 = 200/405 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 162/405 < 200/405 or 2/5 < 40/81
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