Compare 5/15 and 42/70
5/15 is smaller than 42/70
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 15 and 70 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 70 × 3 = 210,
42/70 = 42 × 3/70 × 3 = 126/210 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 70/210 < 126/210 or 5/15 < 42/70
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