Compare 15/42 and 15/20
15/42 is smaller than 15/20
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 20 is 420
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 420 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 10 = 420,
15/42 = 15 × 10/42 × 10 = 150/420 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 20 × 21 = 420,
15/20 = 15 × 21/20 × 21 = 315/420 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 150/420 < 315/420 or 15/42 < 15/20
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 30/42 and 15/20 15/42 and 30/20 15/84 and 15/20 15/42 and 15/40 45/42 and 15/20 15/42 and 45/20 15/42 and 15/60 75/42 and 15/20 15/42 and 75/20