Compare 3/50 and 21/40
3/50 is smaller than 21/40
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 50 and 40 is 200
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 200 - For the 1st fraction, since 50 × 4 = 200,
3/50 = 3 × 4/50 × 4 = 12/200 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 5 = 200,
21/40 = 21 × 5/40 × 5 = 105/200 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 12/200 < 105/200 or 3/50 < 21/40
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