Compare 16/5 and 42/56
1st number: 3 1/5, 2nd number: 42/56
16/5 is greater than 42/56
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 5 and 56 is 280
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 280 - For the 1st fraction, since 5 × 56 = 280,
16/5 = 16 × 56/5 × 56 = 896/280 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 56 × 5 = 280,
42/56 = 42 × 5/56 × 5 = 210/280 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 896/280 > 210/280 or 16/5 > 42/56
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