Compare 3/40 and 5/7
3/40 is smaller than 5/7
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,
5/7 = 5 × 40/7 × 40 = 200/280 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 21/280 < 200/280 or 3/40 < 5/7
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 6/40 and 5/7 3/40 and 10/7 3/80 and 5/7 3/40 and 5/14 9/40 and 5/7 3/40 and 15/7 3/40 and 5/21 15/40 and 5/7 3/40 and 25/7 3/40 and 5/35 21/40 and 5/7 3/40 and 35/7 3/40 and 5/49