Compare 3/40 and 20/7
1st number: 3/40, 2nd number: 2 6/7
3/40 is smaller than 20/7
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 7 is 280
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 280 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 7 = 280,
3/40 = 3 × 7/40 × 7 = 21/280 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 7 × 40 = 280,
20/7 = 20 × 40/7 × 40 = 800/280 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 21/280 < 800/280 or 3/40 < 20/7
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