Compare 15/20 and 35/42
15/20 is smaller than 35/42
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 20 and 42 is 420
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 420 - For the 1st fraction, since 20 × 21 = 420,
15/20 = 15 × 21/20 × 21 = 315/420 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 10 = 420,
35/42 = 35 × 10/42 × 10 = 350/420 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 315/420 < 350/420 or 15/20 < 35/42
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 30/20 and 35/42 15/20 and 70/42 15/40 and 35/42 15/20 and 35/84 45/20 and 35/42 15/60 and 35/42 75/20 and 35/42