Compare 36/96 and 21/40
36/96 is smaller than 21/40
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 96 and 40 is 480
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 480 - For the 1st fraction, since 96 × 5 = 480,
36/96 = 36 × 5/96 × 5 = 180/480 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 12 = 480,
21/40 = 21 × 12/40 × 12 = 252/480 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 180/480 < 252/480 or 36/96 < 21/40
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