Compare 21/36 and 56/84
21/36 is smaller than 56/84
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 36 and 84 is 252
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 252 - For the 1st fraction, since 36 × 7 = 252,
21/36 = 21 × 7/36 × 7 = 147/252 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 84 × 3 = 252,
56/84 = 56 × 3/84 × 3 = 168/252 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 147/252 < 168/252 or 21/36 < 56/84
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