Compare 40/24 and 36/21
1st number: 1 16/24, 2nd number: 1 15/21
40/24 is smaller than 36/21
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 24 and 21 is 168
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 168 - For the 1st fraction, since 24 × 7 = 168,
40/24 = 40 × 7/24 × 7 = 280/168 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 21 × 8 = 168,
36/21 = 36 × 8/21 × 8 = 288/168 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 280/168 < 288/168 or 40/24 < 36/21
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