Compare 3/42 and 15/27
3/42 is smaller than 15/27
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 27 is 378
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 378 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 9 = 378,
3/42 = 3 × 9/42 × 9 = 27/378 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 27 × 14 = 378,
15/27 = 15 × 14/27 × 14 = 210/378 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 27/378 < 210/378 or 3/42 < 15/27
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