Compare 40/48 and 21/20
1st number: 40/48, 2nd number: 1 1/20
40/48 is smaller than 21/20
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 48 and 20 is 240
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 240 - For the 1st fraction, since 48 × 5 = 240,
40/48 = 40 × 5/48 × 5 = 200/240 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 20 × 12 = 240,
21/20 = 21 × 12/20 × 12 = 252/240 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 200/240 < 252/240 or 40/48 < 21/20
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 80/48 and 21/20 40/48 and 42/20 40/96 and 21/20 40/48 and 21/40 40/48 and 63/20 40/48 and 21/60