Compare 7/40 and 21/35
7/40 is smaller than 21/35
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 35 is 280
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 280 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 7 = 280,
7/40 = 7 × 7/40 × 7 = 49/280 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 35 × 8 = 280,
21/35 = 21 × 8/35 × 8 = 168/280 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 49/280 < 168/280 or 7/40 < 21/35
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