Compare 7/56 and 15/42
7/56 is smaller than 15/42
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 56 and 42 is 168
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 168 - For the 1st fraction, since 56 × 3 = 168,
7/56 = 7 × 3/56 × 3 = 21/168 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 4 = 168,
15/42 = 15 × 4/42 × 4 = 60/168 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 21/168 < 60/168 or 7/56 < 15/42
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