Compare 9/40 and 21/56
9/40 is smaller than 21/56
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 56 is 280
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 280 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 7 = 280,
9/40 = 9 × 7/40 × 7 = 63/280 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 56 × 5 = 280,
21/56 = 21 × 5/56 × 5 = 105/280 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 63/280 < 105/280 or 9/40 < 21/56
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