Compare 5/21 and 32/84
5/21 is smaller than 32/84
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 21 and 84 is 84
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 84 - For the 1st fraction, since 21 × 4 = 84,
5/21 = 5 × 4/21 × 4 = 20/84 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 84 × 1 = 84,
32/84 = 32 × 1/84 × 1 = 32/84 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 20/84 < 32/84 or 5/21 < 32/84
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