Compare 3/42 and 15/36
3/42 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,
3/42 = 3 × 6/42 × 6 = 18/252 - 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
- 18/252 < 105/252 or 3/42 < 15/36
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