Compare 49/42 and 40/56
1st number: 1 7/42, 2nd number: 40/56
49/42 is greater than 40/56
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 56 is 168
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 168 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 4 = 168,
49/42 = 49 × 4/42 × 4 = 196/168 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 56 × 3 = 168,
40/56 = 40 × 3/56 × 3 = 120/168 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 196/168 > 120/168 or 49/42 > 40/56
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 98/42 and 40/56 49/42 and 80/56 49/84 and 40/56