Compare 81/2 and 2/21
1st number: 40 1/2, 2nd number: 2/21
81/2 is greater than 2/21
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 2 and 21 is 42
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 42 - For the 1st fraction, since 2 × 21 = 42,
81/2 = 81 × 21/2 × 21 = 1701/42 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 21 × 2 = 42,
2/21 = 2 × 2/21 × 2 = 4/42 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 1701/42 > 4/42 or 81/2 > 2/21
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 81/2 and 4/21 81/4 and 2/21 81/2 and 2/42 81/2 and 6/21 81/6 and 2/21 81/2 and 2/63 81/2 and 10/21 81/10 and 2/21 81/2 and 14/21 81/14 and 2/21