Compare 1/4 and 21/49
1/4 is smaller than 21/49
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 4 and 49 is 196
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 196 - For the 1st fraction, since 4 × 49 = 196,
1/4 = 1 × 49/4 × 49 = 49/196 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 49 × 4 = 196,
21/49 = 21 × 4/49 × 4 = 84/196 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 49/196 < 84/196 or 1/4 < 21/49
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 2/4 and 21/49 1/4 and 42/49 1/8 and 21/49 1/4 and 21/98 3/4 and 21/49 1/4 and 63/49 1/12 and 21/49 5/4 and 21/49 1/20 and 21/49 7/4 and 21/49 1/28 and 21/49