Compare 21/84 and 15/18
21/84 is smaller than 15/18
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 84 and 18 is 252
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 252 - For the 1st fraction, since 84 × 3 = 252,
21/84 = 21 × 3/84 × 3 = 63/252 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 18 × 14 = 252,
15/18 = 15 × 14/18 × 14 = 210/252 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 63/252 < 210/252 or 21/84 < 15/18
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 42/84 and 15/18 21/84 and 30/18 21/84 and 15/36 63/84 and 15/18 21/84 and 45/18 21/84 and 15/54 21/84 and 75/18 21/84 and 15/90