Compare 15/36 and 42/70
15/36 is smaller than 42/70
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 36 and 70 is 1260
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 1260 - For the 1st fraction, since 36 × 35 = 1260,
15/36 = 15 × 35/36 × 35 = 525/1260 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 70 × 18 = 1260,
42/70 = 42 × 18/70 × 18 = 756/1260 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 525/1260 < 756/1260 or 15/36 < 42/70
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