Compare 3/42 and 9/15
3/42 is smaller than 9/15
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,
9/15 = 9 × 14/15 × 14 = 126/210 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 15/210 < 126/210 or 3/42 < 9/15
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