Compare 2/42 and 15/36
2/42 is smaller than 15/36
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 36 is 252
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 252 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 6 = 252,
2/42 = 2 × 6/42 × 6 = 12/252 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 7 = 252,
15/36 = 15 × 7/36 × 7 = 105/252 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 12/252 < 105/252 or 2/42 < 15/36
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 4/42 and 15/36 2/42 and 30/36 2/84 and 15/36 2/42 and 15/72 6/42 and 15/36 2/42 and 45/36 10/42 and 15/36 2/42 and 75/36 14/42 and 15/36