Compare 15/42 and 15/16
15/42 is smaller than 15/16
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 16 is 336
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 336 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 8 = 336,
15/42 = 15 × 8/42 × 8 = 120/336 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 21 = 336,
15/16 = 15 × 21/16 × 21 = 315/336 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 120/336 < 315/336 or 15/42 < 15/16
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 30/42 and 15/16 15/42 and 30/16 15/84 and 15/16 15/42 and 15/32 45/42 and 15/16 15/42 and 45/16 15/42 and 15/48 75/42 and 15/16 15/42 and 75/16 15/42 and 15/80