Compare 16/20 and 42/15
1st number: 16/20, 2nd number: 2 12/15
16/20 is smaller than 42/15
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 20 and 15 is 60
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 60 - For the 1st fraction, since 20 × 3 = 60,
16/20 = 16 × 3/20 × 3 = 48/60 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 15 × 4 = 60,
42/15 = 42 × 4/15 × 4 = 168/60 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 48/60 < 168/60 or 16/20 < 42/15
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 32/20 and 42/15 16/20 and 84/15 16/40 and 42/15 16/20 and 42/30 48/20 and 42/15 16/60 and 42/15 16/20 and 42/45 80/20 and 42/15 16/20 and 42/75