Compare 14/56 and 36/42
14/56 is smaller than 36/42
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,
14/56 = 14 × 3/56 × 3 = 42/168 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 4 = 168,
36/42 = 36 × 4/42 × 4 = 144/168 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 42/168 < 144/168 or 14/56 < 36/42
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 28/56 and 36/42 14/56 and 72/42 14/56 and 36/84 42/56 and 36/42 70/56 and 36/42 98/56 and 36/42