Compare 3/42 and 18/15
1st number: 3/42, 2nd number: 1 3/15
3/42 is smaller than 18/15
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 15 is 210
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 210 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 5 = 210,
3/42 = 3 × 5/42 × 5 = 15/210 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 15 × 14 = 210,
18/15 = 18 × 14/15 × 14 = 252/210 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 15/210 < 252/210 or 3/42 < 18/15
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 6/42 and 18/15 3/42 and 36/15 3/84 and 18/15 3/42 and 18/30 9/42 and 18/15 3/42 and 54/15 3/42 and 18/45 15/42 and 18/15 3/42 and 90/15 3/42 and 18/75 21/42 and 18/15