Compare 1/42 and 2/15
1/42 is smaller than 2/15
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 15 is 210
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 210 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 5 = 210,
1/42 = 1 × 5/42 × 5 = 5/210 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 15 × 14 = 210,
2/15 = 2 × 14/15 × 14 = 28/210 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 5/210 < 28/210 or 1/42 < 2/15
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