Compare 3/48 and 21/40
3/48 is smaller than 21/40
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 48 and 40 is 240
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 240 - For the 1st fraction, since 48 × 5 = 240,
3/48 = 3 × 5/48 × 5 = 15/240 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 6 = 240,
21/40 = 21 × 6/40 × 6 = 126/240 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 15/240 < 126/240 or 3/48 < 21/40
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