Compare 5/15 and 20/42
5/15 is smaller than 20/42
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 15 and 42 is 210
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 210 - For the 1st fraction, since 15 × 14 = 210,
5/15 = 5 × 14/15 × 14 = 70/210 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 5 = 210,
20/42 = 20 × 5/42 × 5 = 100/210 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 70/210 < 100/210 or 5/15 < 20/42
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