Compare 5/35 and 40/50
5/35 is smaller than 40/50
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 35 and 50 is 350
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 350 - For the 1st fraction, since 35 × 10 = 350,
5/35 = 5 × 10/35 × 10 = 50/350 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 50 × 7 = 350,
40/50 = 40 × 7/50 × 7 = 280/350 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 50/350 < 280/350 or 5/35 < 40/50
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