Compare 3/6 and 42/45
3/6 is smaller than 42/45
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 6 and 45 is 90
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 90 - For the 1st fraction, since 6 × 15 = 90,
3/6 = 3 × 15/6 × 15 = 45/90 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 45 × 2 = 90,
42/45 = 42 × 2/45 × 2 = 84/90 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 45/90 < 84/90 or 3/6 < 42/45
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