Compare 3/18 and 21/40
3/18 is smaller than 21/40
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 18 and 40 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 18 × 20 = 360,
3/18 = 3 × 20/18 × 20 = 60/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 9 = 360,
21/40 = 21 × 9/40 × 9 = 189/360 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 60/360 < 189/360 or 3/18 < 21/40
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 6/18 and 21/40 3/18 and 42/40 3/36 and 21/40 3/18 and 21/80 9/18 and 21/40 3/18 and 63/40 3/54 and 21/40 15/18 and 21/40 3/90 and 21/40 21/18 and 21/40