Compare 4/21 and 16/56
4/21 is smaller than 16/56
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 21 and 56 is 168
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 168 - For the 1st fraction, since 21 × 8 = 168,
4/21 = 4 × 8/21 × 8 = 32/168 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 56 × 3 = 168,
16/56 = 16 × 3/56 × 3 = 48/168 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 32/168 < 48/168 or 4/21 < 16/56
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 8/21 and 16/56 4/21 and 32/56 4/42 and 16/56 12/21 and 16/56 4/21 and 48/56 4/63 and 16/56 20/21 and 16/56 4/21 and 80/56 28/21 and 16/56