Compare 12/15 and 42/16
1st number: 12/15, 2nd number: 2 10/16
12/15 is smaller than 42/16
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 15 and 16 is 240
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 240 - For the 1st fraction, since 15 × 16 = 240,
12/15 = 12 × 16/15 × 16 = 192/240 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 15 = 240,
42/16 = 42 × 15/16 × 15 = 630/240 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 192/240 < 630/240 or 12/15 < 42/16
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 24/15 and 42/16 12/15 and 84/16 12/30 and 42/16 12/15 and 42/32 36/15 and 42/16 12/45 and 42/16 12/15 and 42/48 60/15 and 42/16 12/75 and 42/16 12/15 and 42/80 84/15 and 42/16