Compare 3/48 and 21/42
3/48 is smaller than 21/42
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 48 and 42 is 336
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 336 - For the 1st fraction, since 48 × 7 = 336,
3/48 = 3 × 7/48 × 7 = 21/336 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 8 = 336,
21/42 = 21 × 8/42 × 8 = 168/336 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 21/336 < 168/336 or 3/48 < 21/42
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 6/48 and 21/42 3/96 and 21/42 3/48 and 21/84 9/48 and 21/42 3/48 and 63/42 15/48 and 21/42 21/48 and 21/42