Question

Compare the fractions

Answer 1

You have to find a common denominator first.

Answer 2

When comparing these two fractions, notice that they have different denominators. Fractions that have different denominators are called unlike fractions. To compare unlike fractions, we first write them as like fractions by finding a common denominator. The common denominator for 7 and 6 is simply the least common multiple of 7 and 6 which is 42.

To get 42 in the denominator of the first fraction, multiply...

4 × 6 = 24

7 × 6 = 42

To get 42 in the denominator of the second fraction, multiply...

1 × 7 = 7

6 × 7 = 42

Now that we have our like fractions, we can compare them by looking at their numerators.

$\frac{24}{42}$ > $\frac{7}{42}$

Therefore, $\frac{4}{7}$ > $\frac{1}{6}$