Compare 28/42 and 21/16
1st number: 28/42, 2nd number: 1 5/16
28/42 is smaller than 21/16
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 16 is 336
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 336 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 8 = 336,
28/42 = 28 × 8/42 × 8 = 224/336 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 21 = 336,
21/16 = 21 × 21/16 × 21 = 441/336 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 224/336 < 441/336 or 28/42 < 21/16
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 56/42 and 21/16 28/42 and 42/16 28/84 and 21/16 28/42 and 21/32 84/42 and 21/16 28/42 and 63/16 28/42 and 21/48 28/42 and 21/80