Compare 12/45 and 21/15
1st number: 12/45, 2nd number: 1 6/15
12/45 is smaller than 21/15
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 45 and 15 is 45
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 45 - For the 1st fraction, since 45 × 1 = 45,
12/45 = 12 × 1/45 × 1 = 12/45 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 15 × 3 = 45,
21/15 = 21 × 3/15 × 3 = 63/45 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 12/45 < 63/45 or 12/45 < 21/15
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 24/45 and 21/15 12/45 and 42/15 12/90 and 21/15 12/45 and 21/30 36/45 and 21/15 12/45 and 63/15 12/45 and 21/45 60/45 and 21/15 12/45 and 21/75 84/45 and 21/15