Compare 21/32 and 45/50
21/32 is smaller than 45/50
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 32 and 50 is 800
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 800 - For the 1st fraction, since 32 × 25 = 800,
21/32 = 21 × 25/32 × 25 = 525/800 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 50 × 16 = 800,
45/50 = 45 × 16/50 × 16 = 720/800 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 525/800 < 720/800 or 21/32 < 45/50
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