Compare 3/84 and 21/40
3/84 is smaller than 21/40
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 84 and 40 is 840
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 840 - For the 1st fraction, since 84 × 10 = 840,
3/84 = 3 × 10/84 × 10 = 30/840 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 21 = 840,
21/40 = 21 × 21/40 × 21 = 441/840 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 30/840 < 441/840 or 3/84 < 21/40
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 6/84 and 21/40 3/84 and 42/40 3/84 and 21/80 9/84 and 21/40 3/84 and 63/40 15/84 and 21/40 21/84 and 21/40