Compare 5/42 and 10/56
5/42 is smaller than 10/56
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,
5/42 = 5 × 4/42 × 4 = 20/168 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 56 × 3 = 168,
10/56 = 10 × 3/56 × 3 = 30/168 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 20/168 < 30/168 or 5/42 < 10/56
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 10/42 and 10/56 5/42 and 20/56 5/84 and 10/56 15/42 and 10/56 5/42 and 30/56 25/42 and 10/56 5/42 and 50/56 35/42 and 10/56 5/42 and 70/56