Compare 42/56 and 7/9
42/56 is smaller than 7/9
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 56 and 9 is 504
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 504 - For the 1st fraction, since 56 × 9 = 504,
42/56 = 42 × 9/56 × 9 = 378/504 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 9 × 56 = 504,
7/9 = 7 × 56/9 × 56 = 392/504 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 378/504 < 392/504 or 42/56 < 7/9
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