Which is smaller?
`38/(41)or38/(40)`

Answer

To determine which fraction is smaller between \( \frac{38}{41} \) and \( \frac{38}{40} \), we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the fractions
We have two fractions:
- First fraction: \( \frac{38}{41} \)
- Second fraction: \( \frac{38}{40} \)

### Step 2: Compare the numerators
Both fractions have the same numerator, which is 38.

### Step 3: Compare the denominators
Next, we look at the denominators:
- Denominator of the first fraction: 41
- Denominator of the second fraction: 40

### Step 4: Analyze the relationship between the denominators
Since both fractions have the same numerator, we can determine which fraction is smaller by comparing the denominators. A larger denominator means that the fraction is smaller because the same numerator is being divided by a larger number.

### Step 5: Conclusion
Since 41 is greater than 40, the fraction \( \frac{38}{41} \) is smaller than \( \frac{38}{40} \).

Thus, the smaller fraction is:
\[ \frac{38}{41} \]

---