Compare 5/50 and 10/40
5/50 is smaller than 10/40
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 50 and 40 is 200
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 200 - For the 1st fraction, since 50 × 4 = 200,
5/50 = 5 × 4/50 × 4 = 20/200 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 5 = 200,
10/40 = 10 × 5/40 × 5 = 50/200 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 20/200 < 50/200 or 5/50 < 10/40
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