Compare 30/84 and 20/40
30/84 is smaller than 20/40
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,
30/84 = 30 × 10/84 × 10 = 300/840 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 21 = 840,
20/40 = 20 × 21/40 × 21 = 420/840 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 300/840 < 420/840 or 30/84 < 20/40
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