Compare 5/40 and 21/90
5/40 is smaller than 21/90
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 90 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 9 = 360,
5/40 = 5 × 9/40 × 9 = 45/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 90 × 4 = 360,
21/90 = 21 × 4/90 × 4 = 84/360 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 45/360 < 84/360 or 5/40 < 21/90
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