Compare 5/40 and 16/81
5/40 is smaller than 16/81
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 81 is 3240
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 3240 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 81 = 3240,
5/40 = 5 × 81/40 × 81 = 405/3240 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 81 × 40 = 3240,
16/81 = 16 × 40/81 × 40 = 640/3240 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 405/3240 < 640/3240 or 5/40 < 16/81
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