Compare 5/21 and 7/14
5/21 is smaller than 7/14
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 21 and 14 is 42
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 42 - For the 1st fraction, since 21 × 2 = 42,
5/21 = 5 × 2/21 × 2 = 10/42 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 14 × 3 = 42,
7/14 = 7 × 3/14 × 3 = 21/42 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 10/42 < 21/42 or 5/21 < 7/14
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