Compare 3/15 and 9/42
3/15 is smaller than 9/42
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,
3/15 = 3 × 14/15 × 14 = 42/210 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 5 = 210,
9/42 = 9 × 5/42 × 5 = 45/210 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 42/210 < 45/210 or 3/15 < 9/42
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 6/15 and 9/42 3/15 and 18/42 3/30 and 9/42 3/15 and 9/84 9/15 and 9/42 3/15 and 27/42 3/45 and 9/42 3/15 and 45/42 3/75 and 9/42 21/15 and 9/42 3/15 and 63/42