Compare 15/32 and 42/40
1st number: 15/32, 2nd number: 1 2/40
15/32 is smaller than 42/40
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 32 and 40 is 160
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 160 - For the 1st fraction, since 32 × 5 = 160,
15/32 = 15 × 5/32 × 5 = 75/160 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 4 = 160,
42/40 = 42 × 4/40 × 4 = 168/160 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 75/160 < 168/160 or 15/32 < 42/40
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