Compare 3/9 and 15/40
3/9 is smaller than 15/40
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 9 and 40 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 9 × 40 = 360,
3/9 = 3 × 40/9 × 40 = 120/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 9 = 360,
15/40 = 15 × 9/40 × 9 = 135/360 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 120/360 < 135/360 or 3/9 < 15/40
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