Compare 42/98 and 36/56
42/98 is smaller than 36/56
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 98 and 56 is 392
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 392 - For the 1st fraction, since 98 × 4 = 392,
42/98 = 42 × 4/98 × 4 = 168/392 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 56 × 7 = 392,
36/56 = 36 × 7/56 × 7 = 252/392 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 168/392 < 252/392 or 42/98 < 36/56
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/98 and 36/56 42/98 and 72/56