Compare 42/18 and 42/15
1st number: 2 6/18, 2nd number: 2 12/15
42/18 is smaller than 42/15
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 18 and 15 is 90
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 90 - For the 1st fraction, since 18 × 5 = 90,
42/18 = 42 × 5/18 × 5 = 210/90 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 15 × 6 = 90,
42/15 = 42 × 6/15 × 6 = 252/90 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 210/90 < 252/90 or 42/18 < 42/15
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