Compare 21/42 and 40/48
21/42 is smaller than 40/48
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 48 is 336
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 336 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 8 = 336,
21/42 = 21 × 8/42 × 8 = 168/336 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 48 × 7 = 336,
40/48 = 40 × 7/48 × 7 = 280/336 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 168/336 < 280/336 or 21/42 < 40/48
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