Compare 2/15 and 72/42
1st number: 2/15, 2nd number: 1 30/42
2/15 is smaller than 72/42
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 15 and 42 is 210
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 210 - For the 1st fraction, since 15 × 14 = 210,
2/15 = 2 × 14/15 × 14 = 28/210 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 5 = 210,
72/42 = 72 × 5/42 × 5 = 360/210 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 28/210 < 360/210 or 2/15 < 72/42
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