Compare 21/50 and 40/70
21/50 is smaller than 40/70
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 50 and 70 is 350
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 350 - For the 1st fraction, since 50 × 7 = 350,
21/50 = 21 × 7/50 × 7 = 147/350 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 70 × 5 = 350,
40/70 = 40 × 5/70 × 5 = 200/350 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 147/350 < 200/350 or 21/50 < 40/70
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