Compare 8/40 and 12/21
8/40 is smaller than 12/21
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 21 is 840
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 840 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 21 = 840,
8/40 = 8 × 21/40 × 21 = 168/840 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 21 × 40 = 840,
12/21 = 12 × 40/21 × 40 = 480/840 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 168/840 < 480/840 or 8/40 < 12/21
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 16/40 and 12/21 8/40 and 24/21 8/80 and 12/21 8/40 and 12/42 24/40 and 12/21 8/40 and 36/21 8/40 and 12/63 8/40 and 60/21 56/40 and 12/21 8/40 and 84/21