Compare 21/40 and 21/7
1st number: 21/40, 2nd number: 3 0/7
21/40 is smaller than 21/7
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 7 is 280
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 280 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 7 = 280,
21/40 = 21 × 7/40 × 7 = 147/280 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 7 × 40 = 280,
21/7 = 21 × 40/7 × 40 = 840/280 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 147/280 < 840/280 or 21/40 < 21/7
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 42/40 and 21/7 21/40 and 42/7 21/80 and 21/7 21/40 and 21/14 63/40 and 21/7 21/40 and 63/7 21/40 and 21/35 21/40 and 21/49