Compare 12/15 and 42/49
12/15 is smaller than 42/49
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 15 and 49 is 735
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 735 - For the 1st fraction, since 15 × 49 = 735,
12/15 = 12 × 49/15 × 49 = 588/735 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 49 × 15 = 735,
42/49 = 42 × 15/49 × 15 = 630/735 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 588/735 < 630/735 or 12/15 < 42/49
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