Compare 36/40 and 30/21
1st number: 36/40, 2nd number: 1 9/21
36/40 is smaller than 30/21
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 21 is 840
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 840 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 21 = 840,
36/40 = 36 × 21/40 × 21 = 756/840 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 21 × 40 = 840,
30/21 = 30 × 40/21 × 40 = 1200/840 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 756/840 < 1200/840 or 36/40 < 30/21
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 72/40 and 30/21 36/40 and 60/21 36/80 and 30/21 36/40 and 30/42 36/40 and 90/21 36/40 and 30/63