Compare 1/3 and 15/42
1/3 is smaller than 15/42
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 3 and 42 is 42
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 42 - For the 1st fraction, since 3 × 14 = 42,
1/3 = 1 × 14/3 × 14 = 14/42 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 1 = 42,
15/42 = 15 × 1/42 × 1 = 15/42 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 14/42 < 15/42 or 1/3 < 15/42
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