Compare 42/56 and 16/21
42/56 is smaller than 16/21
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,
42/56 = 42 × 3/56 × 3 = 126/168 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 21 × 8 = 168,
16/21 = 16 × 8/21 × 8 = 128/168 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 126/168 < 128/168 or 42/56 < 16/21
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