Compare 3/15 and 15/40
3/15 is smaller than 15/40
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 15 and 40 is 120
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 120 - For the 1st fraction, since 15 × 8 = 120,
3/15 = 3 × 8/15 × 8 = 24/120 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 3 = 120,
15/40 = 15 × 3/40 × 3 = 45/120 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 24/120 < 45/120 or 3/15 < 15/40
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