Compare 42/72 and 98/15
1st number: 42/72, 2nd number: 6 8/15
42/72 is smaller than 98/15
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 15 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
42/72 = 42 × 5/72 × 5 = 210/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 15 × 24 = 360,
98/15 = 98 × 24/15 × 24 = 2352/360 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 210/360 < 2352/360 or 42/72 < 98/15
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/72 and 98/15 42/72 and 98/30 42/72 and 98/45 42/72 and 98/75