Compare 3/56 and 4/21
3/56 is smaller than 4/21
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,
4/21 = 4 × 8/21 × 8 = 32/168 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 9/168 < 32/168 or 3/56 < 4/21
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 4/21 3/56 and 8/21 3/56 and 4/42 9/56 and 4/21 3/56 and 12/21 3/56 and 4/63 15/56 and 4/21 3/56 and 20/21 21/56 and 4/21 3/56 and 28/21