Compare 1/15 and 42/36
1st number: 1/15, 2nd number: 1 6/36
1/15 is smaller than 42/36
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 15 and 36 is 180
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 180 - For the 1st fraction, since 15 × 12 = 180,
1/15 = 1 × 12/15 × 12 = 12/180 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 5 = 180,
42/36 = 42 × 5/36 × 5 = 210/180 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 12/180 < 210/180 or 1/15 < 42/36
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