Compare 1/15 and 84/42
1st number: 1/15, 2nd number: 2 0/42
1/15 is smaller than 84/42
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 15 and 42 is 210
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 210 - For the 1st fraction, since 15 × 14 = 210,
1/15 = 1 × 14/15 × 14 = 14/210 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 5 = 210,
84/42 = 84 × 5/42 × 5 = 420/210 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 14/210 < 420/210 or 1/15 < 84/42
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 2/15 and 84/42 1/30 and 84/42 3/15 and 84/42 1/45 and 84/42 5/15 and 84/42 1/75 and 84/42 7/15 and 84/42