Compare 3/56 and 15/40
3/56 is smaller than 15/40
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 56 and 40 is 280
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 280 - For the 1st fraction, since 56 × 5 = 280,
3/56 = 3 × 5/56 × 5 = 15/280 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 7 = 280,
15/40 = 15 × 7/40 × 7 = 105/280 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 15/280 < 105/280 or 3/56 < 15/40
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 6/56 and 15/40 3/56 and 30/40 3/56 and 15/80 9/56 and 15/40 3/56 and 45/40 15/56 and 15/40 3/56 and 75/40 21/56 and 15/40