Compare 1/42 and 18/56
1/42 is smaller than 18/56
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 56 is 168
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 168 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 4 = 168,
1/42 = 1 × 4/42 × 4 = 4/168 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 56 × 3 = 168,
18/56 = 18 × 3/56 × 3 = 54/168 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 4/168 < 54/168 or 1/42 < 18/56
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 2/42 and 18/56 1/42 and 36/56 1/84 and 18/56 3/42 and 18/56 1/42 and 54/56 5/42 and 18/56 1/42 and 90/56 7/42 and 18/56