Compare 15/18 and 42/45
15/18 is smaller than 42/45
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 18 and 45 is 90
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 90 - For the 1st fraction, since 18 × 5 = 90,
15/18 = 15 × 5/18 × 5 = 75/90 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 45 × 2 = 90,
42/45 = 42 × 2/45 × 2 = 84/90 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 75/90 < 84/90 or 15/18 < 42/45
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