Compare 40/42 and 56/8
1st number: 40/42, 2nd number: 7 0/8
40/42 is smaller than 56/8
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 8 is 168
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 168 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 4 = 168,
40/42 = 40 × 4/42 × 4 = 160/168 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 8 × 21 = 168,
56/8 = 56 × 21/8 × 21 = 1176/168 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 160/168 < 1176/168 or 40/42 < 56/8
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 80/42 and 56/8 40/84 and 56/8 40/42 and 56/16 40/42 and 56/24 40/42 and 56/40