Compare 5/9 and 40/50
5/9 is smaller than 40/50
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 9 and 50 is 450
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 450 - For the 1st fraction, since 9 × 50 = 450,
5/9 = 5 × 50/9 × 50 = 250/450 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 50 × 9 = 450,
40/50 = 40 × 9/50 × 9 = 360/450 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 250/450 < 360/450 or 5/9 < 40/50
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