Compare 9/32 and 21/40
9/32 is smaller than 21/40
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 32 and 40 is 160
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 160 - For the 1st fraction, since 32 × 5 = 160,
9/32 = 9 × 5/32 × 5 = 45/160 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 4 = 160,
21/40 = 21 × 4/40 × 4 = 84/160 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 45/160 < 84/160 or 9/32 < 21/40
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