Compare 1/56 and 3/40
1/56 is smaller than 3/40
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 56 and 40 is 280
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 280 - For the 1st fraction, since 56 × 5 = 280,
1/56 = 1 × 5/56 × 5 = 5/280 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 7 = 280,
3/40 = 3 × 7/40 × 7 = 21/280 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 5/280 < 21/280 or 1/56 < 3/40
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 2/56 and 3/40 1/56 and 6/40 1/56 and 3/80 3/56 and 3/40 1/56 and 9/40 5/56 and 3/40 1/56 and 15/40 7/56 and 3/40 1/56 and 21/40