Compare 2/15 and 42/80
2/15 is smaller than 42/80
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 15 and 80 is 240
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 240 - For the 1st fraction, since 15 × 16 = 240,
2/15 = 2 × 16/15 × 16 = 32/240 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 80 × 3 = 240,
42/80 = 42 × 3/80 × 3 = 126/240 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 32/240 < 126/240 or 2/15 < 42/80
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 4/15 and 42/80 2/15 and 84/80 2/30 and 42/80 6/15 and 42/80 2/45 and 42/80 10/15 and 42/80 2/75 and 42/80 14/15 and 42/80