Compare 40/90 and 42/21
1st number: 40/90, 2nd number: 2 0/21
40/90 is smaller than 42/21
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 90 and 21 is 630
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 630 - For the 1st fraction, since 90 × 7 = 630,
40/90 = 40 × 7/90 × 7 = 280/630 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 21 × 30 = 630,
42/21 = 42 × 30/21 × 30 = 1260/630 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 280/630 < 1260/630 or 40/90 < 42/21
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 80/90 and 42/21 40/90 and 84/21 40/90 and 42/63