Compare 7/15 and 42/72
7/15 is smaller than 42/72
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 15 and 72 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 15 × 24 = 360,
7/15 = 7 × 24/15 × 24 = 168/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
42/72 = 42 × 5/72 × 5 = 210/360 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 168/360 < 210/360 or 7/15 < 42/72
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