Compare 42/54 and 15/3
1st number: 42/54, 2nd number: 5 0/3
42/54 is smaller than 15/3
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 54 and 3 is 54
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 54 - For the 1st fraction, since 54 × 1 = 54,
42/54 = 42 × 1/54 × 1 = 42/54 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 3 × 18 = 54,
15/3 = 15 × 18/3 × 18 = 270/54 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 42/54 < 270/54 or 42/54 < 15/3
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