Compare 2/56 and 18/42
2/56 is smaller than 18/42
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 56 and 42 is 168
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 168 - For the 1st fraction, since 56 × 3 = 168,
2/56 = 2 × 3/56 × 3 = 6/168 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 4 = 168,
18/42 = 18 × 4/42 × 4 = 72/168 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 6/168 < 72/168 or 2/56 < 18/42
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