Compare 3/56 and 18/21
3/56 is smaller than 18/21
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 56 and 21 is 168
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 168 - For the 1st fraction, since 56 × 3 = 168,
3/56 = 3 × 3/56 × 3 = 9/168 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 21 × 8 = 168,
18/21 = 18 × 8/21 × 8 = 144/168 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 9/168 < 144/168 or 3/56 < 18/21
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