Compare 5/40 and 7/8
5/40 is smaller than 7/8
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 8 is 40
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 40 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 1 = 40,
5/40 = 5 × 1/40 × 1 = 5/40 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 8 × 5 = 40,
7/8 = 7 × 5/8 × 5 = 35/40 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 5/40 < 35/40 or 5/40 < 7/8
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