Compare 21/84 and 35/56
21/84 is smaller than 35/56
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 84 and 56 is 168
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 168 - For the 1st fraction, since 84 × 2 = 168,
21/84 = 21 × 2/84 × 2 = 42/168 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 56 × 3 = 168,
35/56 = 35 × 3/56 × 3 = 105/168 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 42/168 < 105/168 or 21/84 < 35/56
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 42/84 and 35/56 21/84 and 70/56 63/84 and 35/56