Compare 21/40 and 42/50
21/40 is smaller than 42/50
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 50 is 200
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 200 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 5 = 200,
21/40 = 21 × 5/40 × 5 = 105/200 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 50 × 4 = 200,
42/50 = 42 × 4/50 × 4 = 168/200 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 105/200 < 168/200 or 21/40 < 42/50
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