Compare 21/50 and 16/40
21/50 is greater than 16/40
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 50 and 40 is 200
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 200 - For the 1st fraction, since 50 × 4 = 200,
21/50 = 21 × 4/50 × 4 = 84/200 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 5 = 200,
16/40 = 16 × 5/40 × 5 = 80/200 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 84/200 > 80/200 or 21/50 > 16/40
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 42/50 and 16/40 21/50 and 32/40 21/50 and 16/80 63/50 and 16/40 21/50 and 48/40 21/50 and 80/40