Compare 42/12 and 21/15
1st number: 3 6/12, 2nd number: 1 6/15
42/12 is greater than 21/15
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 15 is 60
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 60 - For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 5 = 60,
42/12 = 42 × 5/12 × 5 = 210/60 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 15 × 4 = 60,
21/15 = 21 × 4/15 × 4 = 84/60 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 210/60 > 84/60 or 42/12 > 21/15
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/12 and 21/15 42/12 and 42/15 42/24 and 21/15 42/12 and 21/30 42/12 and 63/15 42/36 and 21/15 42/12 and 21/45 42/60 and 21/15 42/12 and 21/75 42/84 and 21/15