Compare 56/40 and 21/6
1st number: 1 16/40, 2nd number: 3 3/6
56/40 is smaller than 21/6
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 6 is 120
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 120 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 3 = 120,
56/40 = 56 × 3/40 × 3 = 168/120 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 6 × 20 = 120,
21/6 = 21 × 20/6 × 20 = 420/120 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 168/120 < 420/120 or 56/40 < 21/6
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 56/40 and 42/6 56/80 and 21/6 56/40 and 21/12 56/40 and 63/6 56/40 and 21/18 56/40 and 21/30 56/40 and 21/42