Compare 5/15 and 42/50
5/15 is smaller than 42/50
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 15 and 50 is 150
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 150 - For the 1st fraction, since 15 × 10 = 150,
5/15 = 5 × 10/15 × 10 = 50/150 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 50 × 3 = 150,
42/50 = 42 × 3/50 × 3 = 126/150 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 50/150 < 126/150 or 5/15 < 42/50
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