Compare 12/56 and 21/4
1st number: 12/56, 2nd number: 5 1/4
12/56 is smaller than 21/4
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 56 and 4 is 56
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 56 - For the 1st fraction, since 56 × 1 = 56,
12/56 = 12 × 1/56 × 1 = 12/56 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 4 × 14 = 56,
21/4 = 21 × 14/4 × 14 = 294/56 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 12/56 < 294/56 or 12/56 < 21/4
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 24/56 and 21/4 12/56 and 42/4 12/56 and 21/8 36/56 and 21/4 12/56 and 63/4 12/56 and 21/12 60/56 and 21/4 12/56 and 21/20 84/56 and 21/4 12/56 and 21/28