Compare 42/32 and 28/21
1st number: 1 10/32, 2nd number: 1 7/21
42/32 is smaller than 28/21
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 32 and 21 is 672
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 672 - For the 1st fraction, since 32 × 21 = 672,
42/32 = 42 × 21/32 × 21 = 882/672 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 21 × 32 = 672,
28/21 = 28 × 32/21 × 32 = 896/672 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 882/672 < 896/672 or 42/32 < 28/21
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/32 and 28/21 42/32 and 56/21 42/64 and 28/21 42/32 and 28/42 42/32 and 84/21 42/96 and 28/21 42/32 and 28/63