Compare 1/2 and 42/56
1/2 is smaller than 42/56
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 2 and 56 is 56
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 56 - For the 1st fraction, since 2 × 28 = 56,
1/2 = 1 × 28/2 × 28 = 28/56 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 56 × 1 = 56,
42/56 = 42 × 1/56 × 1 = 42/56 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 28/56 < 42/56 or 1/2 < 42/56
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