Compare 50/56 and 81/40
1st number: 50/56, 2nd number: 2 1/40
50/56 is smaller than 81/40
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 56 and 40 is 280
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 280 - For the 1st fraction, since 56 × 5 = 280,
50/56 = 50 × 5/56 × 5 = 250/280 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 7 = 280,
81/40 = 81 × 7/40 × 7 = 567/280 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 250/280 < 567/280 or 50/56 < 81/40
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 50/56 and 81/80