Compare 21/40 and 16/20
21/40 is smaller than 16/20
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 20 is 40
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 40 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 1 = 40,
21/40 = 21 × 1/40 × 1 = 21/40 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 20 × 2 = 40,
16/20 = 16 × 2/20 × 2 = 32/40 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 21/40 < 32/40 or 21/40 < 16/20
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