Compare 42/18 and 15/3
1st number: 2 6/18, 2nd number: 5 0/3
42/18 is smaller than 15/3
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 18 and 3 is 18
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 18 - For the 1st fraction, since 18 × 1 = 18,
42/18 = 42 × 1/18 × 1 = 42/18 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 3 × 6 = 18,
15/3 = 15 × 6/3 × 6 = 90/18 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 42/18 < 90/18 or 42/18 < 15/3
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/18 and 15/3 42/18 and 30/3 42/36 and 15/3 42/18 and 15/6 42/18 and 45/3 42/54 and 15/3 42/18 and 15/9 42/18 and 75/3 42/90 and 15/3 42/18 and 15/21