Compare 21/28 and 42/49
21/28 is smaller than 42/49
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 28 and 49 is 196
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 196 - For the 1st fraction, since 28 × 7 = 196,
21/28 = 21 × 7/28 × 7 = 147/196 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 49 × 4 = 196,
42/49 = 42 × 4/49 × 4 = 168/196 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 147/196 < 168/196 or 21/28 < 42/49
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