Compare 4/21 and 20/56
4/21 is smaller than 20/56
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,
20/56 = 20 × 3/56 × 3 = 60/168 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 32/168 < 60/168 or 4/21 < 20/56
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