Compare 3/45 and 16/40
3/45 is smaller than 16/40
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 45 and 40 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 45 × 8 = 360,
3/45 = 3 × 8/45 × 8 = 24/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 9 = 360,
16/40 = 16 × 9/40 × 9 = 144/360 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 24/360 < 144/360 or 3/45 < 16/40
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