Compare 4/42 and 12/15
4/42 is smaller than 12/15
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,
4/42 = 4 × 5/42 × 5 = 20/210 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 15 × 14 = 210,
12/15 = 12 × 14/15 × 14 = 168/210 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 20/210 < 168/210 or 4/42 < 12/15
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