Compare 42/15 and 72/50
1st number: 2 12/15, 2nd number: 1 22/50
42/15 is greater than 72/50
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 15 and 50 is 150
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 150 - For the 1st fraction, since 15 × 10 = 150,
42/15 = 42 × 10/15 × 10 = 420/150 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 50 × 3 = 150,
72/50 = 72 × 3/50 × 3 = 216/150 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 420/150 > 216/150 or 42/15 > 72/50
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/15 and 72/50 42/30 and 72/50 42/45 and 72/50 42/75 and 72/50