Compare 1/2 and 56/42
1st number: 1/2, 2nd number: 1 14/42
1/2 is smaller than 56/42
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 2 and 42 is 42
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 42 - For the 1st fraction, since 2 × 21 = 42,
1/2 = 1 × 21/2 × 21 = 21/42 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 1 = 42,
56/42 = 56 × 1/42 × 1 = 56/42 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 21/42 < 56/42 or 1/2 < 56/42
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 1/4 and 56/42 1/2 and 56/84 3/2 and 56/42 1/6 and 56/42 5/2 and 56/42 1/10 and 56/42 7/2 and 56/42 1/14 and 56/42